MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A flash flood warning was in effect for some areas in South Florida Thursday evening as strong storms have brought heavy rain and caused widespread flooding in several areas, including downtown Fort Lauderdale and parts of Miami-Dade County.
While heavy rain has begun to taper off across South Florida, several neighborhoods are still dealing with standing water, particularly in areas like Pinecrest and Key Largo.
A flash flood warning was in effect for Pinecrest and surrounding areas until 6:45 p.m., with flooding reported to be more than minor. Residents are advised to avoid venturing out until waters recede, according to Local 10 Chief Meteorologist Betty Davis.
The rain that triggered a flood advisory in Cutler Bay subsided in the early evening hours, and conditions in downtown Miami improved significantly after an earlier deluge that brought lightning and torrential downpours.
Doppler radar showed that rainfall ended in Cutler Bay, and Miami started to dry out after being soaked earlier today.
Though most of the severe weather is moving out, a few showers and storms persist, particularly near the Everglades.
Davis said she expects these storms to stay to the west. As South Florida settles in for the night, the worst of the storms appears to be over.
Earlier in the day, temperatures soared to record highs, with Miami hitting 98 degrees, breaking the previous record of 97 for the date.
Key West also reached 96 degrees, surpassing its record of 94. The intense heat contributed to the development of these storms, with heat indices topping 100 degrees.
Looking ahead, another hot day with storms is expected Friday before a break in the humidity arrives, according to the National Weather Service.
Residents and commuters have been urged to stay cautious, especially in areas under flood advisories.
Video footage from downtown Fort Lauderdale shows streets inundated with water as the storms continue to batter the region. The severe weather prompted the cancellation of a heat advisory that had been in place earlier in the day.
The storms have already dumped several inches of rain, leading to water accumulation on roads, making travel hazardous. Residents in affected areas are advised to stay indoors and avoid flooded streets until the weather improves.
“We’re seeing a positive trend around downtown Miami, with the heavier rainfall pushing out toward the Atlantic,” Davis added, though she cautioned that lightning remains a concern in some areas.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated on weather conditions throughout the evening. The forecast for the weekend brings some relief, with less humid air expected to arrive, offering a break from the intense weather seen today.
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