Heavy Rainstorms Cause Severe Flooding in South Florida

This week, Southern Florida experienced severe rainstorms causing extensive flooding across the region. Rainfall peaked at 19 inches in Hollywood and 20 inches in northern Miami, nearly doubling Miami County’s monthly average. The Gulf Coast also saw significant rainfall, with some areas receiving up to 11 inches. Flooding left many streets submerged, stranded cars, and disrupted air travel, with nearly 1,200 flights canceled or delayed.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and local mayors declared states of emergency in response to the storms. Despite the storm system beginning to weaken, meteorologists warned that flash flooding risks remained due to saturated soil. As a precaution, flood watches remain in effect for over 7 million people.
The National Weather Service highlighted the potential for further severe flash flooding due to additional rain expected on Friday. While no homes were reported destroyed, the flooding caused two fatalities and three injuries in a car crash in Collier County, attributed to the wet conditions.
This event marks the second consecutive year Southern Florida has faced a 1,000-year rain event, a situation exacerbated by climate change. Warmer ocean temperatures have intensified rainfall, contributing to predictions of a severe hurricane season, with Colorado State University forecasting 11 hurricanes this year, its highest prediction ever.
Globally, climate change is driving extreme weather, including catastrophic flooding in Brazil and Chile, and severe droughts in regions like Bogotá, Mexico City, and Johannesburg. The article criticizes the inadequate government response to these disasters, emphasizing the need for better resource allocation to mitigate damage and support recovery efforts.