Torrential downpours trigger life-threatening flash flood warnings in South Florida

Thunderstorms hammering South Florida with heavy rain Tuesday afternoon have led to severe weather warnings across the region. Forecasters are urging residents in some areas to seek high ground and avoid drenched roads.

Around 4 p.m., the National Weather Service received several reports of heavy rainfall in parts of Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

The downpours caused the weather service to issue a flood warning for northern Miami-Dade and southern Broward counties that’s expected to last until 8 p.m.

A reported 2 to 4 inches of rain fell in northern Miami-Dade, with an additional 2 to 5 inches possibly coming down. In southern Broward, 2 to 4 inches fell, with an estimated 1 to 4 inches on the way.

Cities affected include Miami, Miami Beach, Hialeah, Opa-locka, Doral, Miami Gardens, Sunrise, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale and Sunrise.

Forecasters say life-threatening flash flooding may impact creeks, streams, urban areas, highways and streets. Residents are being warned to turn around and avoid driving through flooded areas.

In Miami Beach, cars waded through water several inches deep during the evening rush hour commute. On Alton Road in Mid-Beach, drivers merged into a single lane to try to avoid the worst of the flooding.

Meanwhile in North Beach, parts of a Publix parking lot sat empty because the spots had filled up with water.

Residents on social media shared images of flooding throughout Miami Beach. The city activated a program that lets residents park for free in two public garages, at 400 West 42nd St. and 1661 Pennsylvania Ave.

Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties will remain under a flood watch until Wednesday evening, meaning residents should be prepared for the possibility of flooding. Forecasters attribute this to slow-moving storms in the area with heavy showers.

READ MORE: Hurricane center tracking system drenching South Florida. Chance of strengthening low

The National Hurricane Center is tracking a disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico that is contributing to the severe weather. Forecasters are predicting the Miami area could expect to see 4 to 8 inches of rain dropped by Thursday night

Miami Herald staff writer Aaron Leibowitz contributed to this report.

This story was originally published June 11, 2024 at 6:20 PM.

Devoun Cetoute

Miami Herald

305-376-2026

Miami Herald Cops and Breaking News Reporter Devoun Cetoute covers a plethora of Florida topics, from breaking news to crime patterns. He was on the breaking news team that won a Pulitzer Prize in 2022. He’s a graduate of the University of Florida, born and raised in Miami-Dade. Theme parks, movies and cars are on his mind in and out of the office.