Heavy Rain Triggers Widespread Flooding in South Florida
A steady deluge of heavy rain was causing flooding throughout South Florida Wednesday, leading to major issues at airports and on roadways including the closure of a stretch of Interstate 95 and a state of emergency set to be declared in Fort Lauderdale.
Thec was happening in the southbound lanes at Griffin Road, Florida Highway Patrol officials said.
Southbound traffic was being diverted at Oakland Park Boulevard and vehicles were being allowed to re-enter the highway at Stirling Road.
One vehicle was flooded in the area but there were no reported injuries, FHP officials said. Officials said the closure would remain in effect until further notice and until the water drains from the highway.
Other areas of I-895 were also experiencing flooding, including the southbound ramp at 151st Street and the northbound ramp at 135th Street. Express lanes were also flooded at Northwest 67th Street.
Major roadway flooding was being encountered across Miami-Dade and Broward, in areas including Hallandale Beach, downtown Miami, North Miami Beach and elsewhere.
Getty Images
HALLANDALE BEACH, FLORIDA – JUNE 12: A person waits for help in a stalled vehicle sitting in the flooded street on June 12, 2024, in Hallandale Beach, Florida. The region is being adversely impacted as tropical moisture passes through the area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
In Miami-Dade, crews were working to reduce flooding in some hotspots, but officials said preparations began before the rain started falling.
“Miami-Dade County staff has been working proactively to prepare our community since before the rain started, and we are working to protect our residents and businesses,” Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said in a statement. “We ask residents and visitors to stay safe, stay inside, avoid flooded areas and remain vigilant for possible hazards.
The Tri-Rail system was also experiencing some issues from flooding.
Due to inclement weather this Wednesday evening, the tracks between Metrorail Transfer and MiamiCentral stations have been shut down. Passengers are recommended to use the Metrorail system for connections between the stations. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please stay safe.
Officials in Fort Lauderdale said there was high water on some roadways across the city, including major thoroughfares like Broward Boulevard and Federal Highway near downtown.
A city spokesperson said Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis would be signing a State of Emergency for the city Wednesday evening.
Due to continued heavy rainfall, there is high water on some roadways across the City, including major thoroughfares like Broward Boulevard and Federal Highway near downtown.
City emergency management staff is actively monitoring the situation and deploying resources across the… pic.twitter.com/53KfOHblzu
— City of Fort Lauderdale (@FTLCityNews) June 12, 2024
In Hollywood, first responders rushed to trapped motorists.
“We are receiving calls of some people who are stuck in vehicles, they’ve driven in the flooded roads,” city spokesperson Joann Hussey said.
Hussey said the hours of continuous rain had nearly rendered pumps useless because the equipment had nowhere to send the excess water.
“There is so much water that the pumps really don’t have a lot places for (the water) to go right now,” Hussey said.
At Dania Pointe in Dania Beach, cars were stuck on roadways or driving on sidewalks to get through the floodwaters.
Cars are stuck in Dania Point blocking entrances and exits, some people are driving on sidewalks trying to stay above water and others are held up in parking garages trying to wait it out… @nbc6pic.twitter.com/ai888EdoLJ
Dania Beach Mayor A.J. Ryan told NBC6 the highest point in the city was flooded and said several streets were closed to keep water from getting into homes including the area east of U.S. 1 and Stirling Road between Dixie Highway and U.S. 1.
Wilton Manors Police reported that Andrews Avenue at 26th Street was underwater.
Authorities were advising motorists to stay off roadways as there were multiple reports of vehicles becoming stranded in flooded areas.
Officials at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport said there were delays and cancellations as there was standing water at the airport and neighboring roadways.
#WeatherAlert 2: Heavy rainfall across South Florida is impacting flight schedules. If you’re traveling today or picking up/dropping off, check with the airline for the latest flight status. There are delays, cancellations, & standing water on the airport & neighboring roadways.
— Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Int’l Airport (FLL) (@FLLFlyer) June 12, 2024
According to FlightAware, FLL had 224 delays and 181 cancellations as of around 4:30 p.m.
Miami International Airport also had flights that were being impacted by the weather. FlightAware reported 374 delays and 264 cancellations at MIA as of 4:30 p.m.
Both airports were urging travelers to check with their airline for flight information.
#WeatherAdvisory (06/12/24) Inclement weather will affect flights. If you’re traveling, please contact your airline for the latest updates. We’re also under a flood watch. Before heading to the airport, please check local conditions and avoid driving through flooded areas. pic.twitter.com/yrf51zgsY1
A severe deluge of heavy rain has caused widespread flooding across South Florida, particularly affecting areas in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Major disruptions have been reported on roadways, including the closure of a section of Interstate 95 near Griffin Road and significant flooding on other parts of I-895 and various local streets. Fort Lauderdale is set to declare a state of emergency due to high water levels on key thoroughfares like Broward Boulevard and Federal Highway. Air travel is heavily impacted, with Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Miami International Airport experiencing numerous flight delays and cancellations, with standing water complicating access to the airports. Authorities are advising residents and visitors to stay indoors, avoid flooded areas, and remain cautious. Public transport, including the Tri-Rail system, is also affected, and motorists are being urged to stay off the roads due to stranded vehicles in flooded areas. Emergency responders are actively assisting trapped motorists and managing the situation. Stay tuned for further updates.
