BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – A flash flood advisory was issued for parts of Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties on Wednesday.
The advisory is in effect until 8 p.m.
Areas include Miami Beach, Miami Gardens, North Miami Beach, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Miramar, Hialeah, Davie, Plantation, Sunrise, Weston, Doral, Miami Lakes, Cooper City, Hialeah Gardens, Opa-Locka, Sweetwater, Medley, Pennsuco and Palm Springs North, according to the National Weather Service.
Additionally, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a State of Emergency in five counties, including Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
In Miami-Dade County, there was a severe thunderstorm warning for a storm that moved across Hialeah and passed through Miami Shores, heading toward Surfside.
Local 10 News meteorologist Betty Davis said the thunderstorm warning was lifted around 5 p.m. as the storm weakened while moving out over the Atlantic waters. However, it is still producing a lot of lightning in northern Miami areas, including Surfside.
Since Tuesday evening, these areas have seen over a foot of rainfall. Doppler radar estimates some neighborhoods in Surfside were hit with 17.5 inches of rainfall since Tuesday, and it’s still coming down at tremendous rates, according to Davis.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is out until 5:00pm, this storm is approaching a portion of the area experiencing significant/extreme Flash Flooding. While winds up to 60 mph are a threat, the storm's heavy rainfall rates of 5-7" an hour will make flooding even worse. Stay safe! pic.twitter.com/Fff44ykDQj
— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) June 12, 2024
A band of tropical downpours and lightning-packed storms were moving in around Homestead and eventually filling in around the Florida Keys. South Floridians will be relieved when the heaviest rainfall shifts south of areas like Dania Beach, Surfside, and Miami Beach, where conditions are severe as of Wednesday evening.
The NWS said winds can reach up to 60 mph and are considered a threat. The storm’s heavy rainfall rates of 5 to 7 inches per hour will make flooding even worse.
Future radar shows that the heaviest rainfall will shift toward Deep South Dade and the Florida Keys as we head into the nighttime hours. However, the tri-county area will remain under a flood watch through Friday, with more rounds of heavy rainfall expected.
Miami recorded approximately five inches of rain, while Fort Lauderdale saw 8.8 inches, according to the NWS.
Rainfall rates are beginning to decrease, but areas like Fort Lauderdale and Surfside have already accumulated over a foot of rain since Tuesday, according to Davis.
Davis also said Miami-Dade residents could see up to half a foot or more accumulating by the end of the week.
Live 5 p.m. report
The NWS also issued a tornado warning for east central Collier County in southwestern Florida that was in effect until 1 p.m.
According to the NWS, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located eight miles south of Miccosukee Indian Reservation, or 31 miles northeast of Everglades City, moving northeast at 30 mph.
The NWS texted an emergency alert that stated, “This is a dangerous and life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order.”
3 p.m. live report
Local 10 Meteorologist Brandon Orr said a possible tornado approached Alligator Alley near the county line in the Everglades. A tornado warning was in effect in that area until 1 p.m.
He also said that Hallandale, Hollywood have experienced at least eight inches of rain as of 3:30 p.m.
Live noon report
Residents and visitors should expect heavy rainfall with totals of 6 to 12 inches and a flood watch is expected to be in effect until Friday evening.
The rainstorm caused major flooding in South Florida and even a closure of a stretch of Broward County.
The NWS said flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes could be damaged or destroyed and residents should expect damage to the roofs of their homes.
Locations impacted also include Miccosukee Indian Reservation, Miccosukee Service Plaza and Big Cypress National Preserve.
People who reside in the area are advised to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
Authorities also suggest the public should avoid being too close to any windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
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9 a.m. live report