Flash Flooding in Southern Florida: Fort Lauderdale Airport and Schools Closed
A sudden flash flooding event in southern Florida caused severe rainfall of up to 20 inches, resulting in the closure of the Fort Lauderdale airport and Broward County Public Schools on Wednesday. The incident left the locals struggling with flooded homes, thunderstorms, and cars submerged in water on the streets.
Flooding Impacts Fort Lauderdale Airport
The Fort Lauderdale airport, a primary gateway to the state, was severely impacted by the flash flooding. Social media was filled with videos showing water flooding into the airport terminal, making its way into the door. The airport authorities tweeted at about 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday that the airport would be closed until at least noon on Thursday due to the roadways being impacted by flooding. The situation remained grim as the main exit artery continued to be flooded, causing slow-moving traffic. Although stalled vehicles were being removed from the upper/lower levels, the roadways remained closed.
Arrival Roadway Still Closed
The airport authorities had some relief as the departures roadway reopened shortly after 2 a.m. on Thursday to allow people to reunite with their family and friends waiting outside the airport. However, the arrivals roadway remained closed, causing further inconvenience to travelers.
Schools and District Offices Closed
Broward County Public Schools announced that all the schools and district offices would remain closed on Thursday, with all extracurricular activities being canceled. The announcement was made after assessing the impact of the flash flooding event on the region.
The National Weather Service issued a statement that the rainfall rate had been recorded at about 2 to 3.5 inches an hour, causing severe flooding in an area about 5 to 10 miles southeast of Fort Lauderdale. It also predicted that the region may receive another one to two inches of rainfall in the coming days.
Conclusion
The flash flooding event in southern Florida left many residents and travelers stranded as it closed the Fort Lauderdale airport and the Broward County Public Schools. Although some relief was provided when the departures roadway was reopened, the arrivals roadway continued to remain closed, causing inconvenience to the travelers. The National Weather Service predicts that the region may receive more rainfall in the coming days, highlighting the need for people to stay alert and stay safe.
