Heavy rainfall in Florida triggers flooding
Heavy rainfall in Florida for the past three days has resulted in a flood-like situation prevailing over various low-lying areas of the state. The Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, had declared a state of emergency earlier on Friday in the counties of Broward, Collier, Miami-Dade, Sarasota, and Lee, resulting in the closure of several public schools, courts, city halls, and other government buildings in the flood-prone areas.
According to reports, state disaster management officials have rescued at least 40 individuals who were stranded by the heavy rains and ensuing floods since late Thursday. The AMS (American Meteorological Society) estimated that several south Florida cities received more than 380 mm (15 inches) of rain in just two days.
.@SFWMD is adjusting the regional water management system to drain water away from communities as quickly as possible.
Field crews are installing temporary pumps to help keep water moving through the system & reduce flooding impacts to local communities.https://t.co/IcEjVrQHGG pic.twitter.com/EBGYYM6Vzd
— South Florida Water Management District (@SFWMD) June 13, 2024
The highest rainfall count was recorded in North Miami, where nearly 500 mm (19.86 inches) of rain fell in just a few hours, accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms. Heavy downpours stranded thousands of passengers at the Melbourne-Orlando International Airport, as low visibility and extreme winds caused the ATC (Air Traffic Control) to stop all departures and arrivals.
Several low-lying areas were completely inundated due to standing floodwater, with many stuck inside their vehicles that had to be rescued by emergency services. The government’s declaration of a state of emergency has prompted the Biden administration to dispatch immediate flood relief to those affected by the unprecedented floods.
Climate scientists have warned of severe rainfall persisting over the next few days, although the risk of flooding is considerably reduced. Senior weather reporter at CBS News, David Parkinson, said this year’s freak rainfall was due to the entry of warm air from New Zealand to Florida’s coastlines.
He also said that this year’s rainfall was the heaviest in recent years, a sign many perceive as unequivocal evidence of the increasing impact of climate change.
USA vs. IRE T20 World Cup Match Cancelled Due to Florida Rains
Amidst the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 being hosted jointly by the West Indies and the USA, the Florida Rains are currently playing spoilsport.
The scheduled match between the USA and Ireland on Friday had to be cancelled after heavy rains completely inundated the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida.
As a result, the USA proceeded into the Super Eight Group of the T20 World Cup, right after India in Group A. It has also resulted in Ireland languishing at the bottom of the points table with zero wins in three matches played by them.
Continuing rainfall on Saturday also ruined the scheduled match between India and Canada. The match ended with zero balls bowled after umpires determined that gameplay could not be continued due to the heavy rainfall and excessive moisture on the pitch at Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium, Florida.
Florida will face more deluge for the next few days
Residents near Fort Lauderdale, Florida, reported that standing floodwater has completely inundated several low-lying areas of the city, with social media videos showing cars submerged in the waist-deep flood water.
Emergency services are currently using inflatable rubber boats to navigate through the water-logged communities, searching for individuals at risk from rising flood waters. In the last 24 hours, Florida’s Fort Lauderdale area has received nearly 18.46 inches of rainfall, making it the wettest day in the state’s records.
What is stopping @ICC from holding these matches in New York or Dallas? Is that a bigger loss than matches not taking place at all? There is literally a flood like situation in Florida. Crazy! pic.twitter.com/5uuSWb5Xxy
— Intent Merchant (@bash_kaak) June 13, 2024
Meteorologists at the National Weather Service have stated, “Excessive rainfall in southernmost Florida is likely to cause additional flash flooding, as the standing flood water will be unable to drain anywhere and will instead pond in place.”
