Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) declared a state of emergency for five counties after severe flooding and rains battered large swaths of the state on Wednesday.
The order affects Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade and Sarasota counties.
DeSantis said the low pressure system brought “severe weather, widespread heavy rainfall of 10 to 15 inches and associated flooding” across South Florida on Wednesday, with more severe weather expected in the coming days. Presidential Order.
In his order, the governor warned that the weather could affect “the operational ability of critical infrastructure” such as major roads, schools and airports, and said further worsening weather conditions over the next few days would likely “worsen” flood conditions in the affected areas.
The National Weather Service in Miami said Wednesday afternoon. “Life-threatening floods” The department at that point urged residents to seek higher ground and urged drivers to stay off the roads.
of Florida Department of Emergency Management Said Flood warnings will remain in effect overnight for Dade and Broward counties.
“It is never safe to go into flood waters, especially at night. Turn back. Don’t drown! Follow all instructions from local authorities and have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts,” the department said in a post on social media platform X.
of South Florida Sun-Sentinel Between 10 and 15 inches of rain fell in the areas of Hallandale Beach, Hollywood and Aventura between midnight and 6 p.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. The service reported that many people were left stranded in their cars driving through flooded roads, and some experienced delays at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
The cities of Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood and Dania Beach declared local states of emergency on Wednesday, according to the outlet.
