Torrential Rain and Powerful Winds Cause Chaos in South Florida

Severe Weather Hits South Florida

Torrential rain and powerful winds have caused widespread power outages and school closures across South Florida metro areas, according to CNN. Although overnight flash flood warnings have expired, periodic light rainfall is expected throughout the day, particularly along the East Coast. Southeastern Florida has been hit the hardest, with rainfall totals approaching double digits. As a result, drainage is becoming increasingly difficult in coastal areas, and flash flooding is either ongoing or expected to occur soon.

Impacts on Power and Education

As of 7 a.m. Thursday, over 125,000 homes and businesses in Florida were without power, with Miami-Dade County accounting for more than half of those outages, reports Poweroutage.us. Broward County Public Schools have canceled classes and closed administrative offices due to safety concerns. Broward College in Fort Lauderdale has also closed for the second consecutive day this week because of flooding.

Local Businesses Affected

The severe weather has taken a toll on local businesses. In Lauderdale Lakes, wind gusts toppled a tree, which destroyed two cars. Spiro Marchelos, the owner of Anglers Beach Cafe, had to give his employees the day off due to the conditions. “The weather is bad, and people aren’t going to come to the beach today. It’s windy, rainy, and the streets are flooded,” Marchelos explained to CNN affiliate WSVN.

Continued Risks and Potential Records

The Weather Prediction Center warns that there is a slight risk for excessive rainfall along the eastern coast of Florida, with a high wind warning in place for coastal areas in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties. These conditions could lead to widespread power outages. Fort Lauderdale, which has already experienced an unusually wet year, may break its record for the wettest year on record if the rain continues.

Concerns of Flash Flooding and Slow Receding

The torrential rainfall rates and accumulation totals in southeastern Florida are causing a higher probability of flash flooding concerns, particularly within the urban corridor down into the Florida Keys north of Marathon. Saturated ground and ongoing king tides could further impede the water from receding in coastal communities that are prone to flooding.

Conclusion

The severe weather conditions in South Florida have left communities facing power outages, school closures, and potential flash flooding. As the rain continues, residents and businesses are bracing themselves for further impacts. Stay safe and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

CNN Meteorologists Derek Van Dam and Robert Shackelford contributed to this report.

Read More of this Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-11-16 11:26:00

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