Rain and flooding in Fort Lauderdale. Photo: EFE.
A series of powerful storms affected much of South Florida this week. The forecasts for today are coming true: massive amounts of rain will continue to hit sections of the state through Friday.
Florida’s governor declared a state of emergency for Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade and Sarasota counties.
The streets of Miami were filled with abandoned vehicles that were stopped or trapped in the floodwaters. “It looked like the beginning of a zombie movie,” said Ted Rico, a tow truck driver who spent much of Wednesday night and Thursday morning helping clear vehicles.”
“There are cars lying everywhere, on top of the sidewalks, in the median, in the middle of the street, without lights on. Crazy. Abandoned cars everywhere.”
Forecasters warned that up to 8 more inches of rain could accumulate in low-lying areas before the weekend.
Officials said about 20 inches had fallen Thursday afternoon on Hallandale Beach, near Fort Lauderdale.
Seven million people were under a flood watch or warning on Thursday.
Forecasters projected the most severe weather for counties previously affected by earlier flooding in recent days.
Florida wildlife officials have said alligators and other wildlife could become more visible in flooded neighborhoods.
