.webp "Historic downpours in Fort Lauderdale force airports and schools to close")
Torrential rains caused havoc in South Florida on Wednesday night, flooding houses and prompting the closure of schools and an airport. In only six hours, more than 20 inches of rain poured near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, causing officials to cancel flights and close terminals "until at least noon" on Thursday.
On Thursday, All public schools in Broward County were closed due to reports of water-filling classrooms and whole campuses being unreachable.
A flash flood warning has also been issued for various locations in South Florida, with the National Weather Service office in Miami saying: " This is a potentially fatal circumstance. Now is the time to seek higher ground!" Residents posted footage on social media of automobiles abandoned on roadways and planes taxiing in deep water.
More Rain and Storms Expected on Thursday
"I've lived here my whole life," Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy told CNN. "This is the most severe flooding that I've ever seen."
downtown Fort Lauderdale still flooded right now with countless cars trapped in the high water.#fortlauderdale #miami #florida #southflorida #broward #miamibeach #browardcounty #bocaraton #westpalmbeach #palmbeach #weston #pompanobeach #pembrokepines #coralsprings #southbeach pic.twitter.com/1HfCjJSL7Y
— MGara Coin (@mgaracoin) April 13, 2023
This is a rain trace from a @WeatherSTEM location just east of Ft. Lauderdale International Airport. They have gotten more than 20 inches of rain in the previous 6 hours.
It's still pouring as hard, if not worse than it was earlier today.
.webp "This is a rain trace from a @WeatherSTEM")
Take a look at the ongoing Flash Flooding in Fort Lauderdale, FL and at Hollywood International Airport this evening! Almost a foot of rain has covered the runway and tarmac!
— Live Storm Chasers (@LiveStormChaser) April 13, 2023
Permission: David Woodard#FLwx #Florida #FortLauderdale pic.twitter.com/My5pcr29Pf
A flash flood Emergency has been declared for the communities around Hollywood, Dania Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. This is a potentially fatal circumstance.
.webp "A flash flood Emergency has been declared for the communities")