( NYPost )
A powerful “life-threatening” storm has drenched South Florida, stranding dozens of drivers in flooded streets and prompting the governor to declare a state emergency.
The decisive storm turned several roads in the Miami and Fort Lauderdale areas into streams Wednesday, causing massive floods that blocked off roads and forced dozens of drivers to abandon their cars and swim to safety.
The onslaught shuttered a crucial portion of I-95 by Fort Lauderdale, as the National Weather Service warned of “catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding.”
“Catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding is expected to continue into the evening hours across south Florida with an emphasis on the highly urbanized and densely
populated I-95 corridor from Fort Lauderdale south through Miami and Homestead,” the National Weather Service said in an advisory.
Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for five counties as more heavy rainfall is expected throughout the day Thursday and into Friday.
Flood warnings remained in effect for both Broward and Miami-Dade counties Thursday, with some towns receiving over a foot of rain overnight, according to NBC Miami.
Overnight, Hollywood Beach received over 14 inches of rain while Surfside recorded more than 12.
Though showers tapered off overnight, an additional 1 to 2 inches of rainfall are likely Thursday, with additional downpours expected to pound the region come Friday.
Flooding in rivers, streams and other low-lying areas is expected to persist as grounds are already completely saturated with rainwater, which will lead to further flooding as upwards of 8 inches of rain are expected through Friday.
Several structures have flooded completely and several roads remained closed Thursday.
“It will take several hours for all the water from these storms to work through local drainage systems in urban areas,” the weather service warned.
The flood watch will remain in effect through Friday.
The deluge has caused hundreds of flights to and from South Florida airports to be grounded. Nearly 90 flights departing Miami International were canceled, while 32 flights leaving Fort Lauderdale International were canceled as of Thursday morning, according to FlightAware.
Over 100 flights headed for Miami International were also canceled, as were 22 others headed for Fort Lauderdale International, according to the plane tracking website.
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