Severe thunderstorms cause disruptions and flooding in South Florida
- Heavy thunderstorms are contributing to severe weather conditions across South Florida.
- The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory and warnings for Miami-Dade and Broward County.
- Significant rainfall is expected, leading to potential flash flooding, with essential measures advised for residents.
Today, South Florida is experiencing severe weather, including heavy thunderstorms and flash flooding. The National Weather Service issued a flood advisory for Miami-Dade until 11:45 a.m., while Broward County is under a severe thunderstorm warning. Chief Meteorologist Ivan Cabrera from CBS News Miami indicated that storms would likely expand throughout the evening, with rainfall rates potentially reaching alarming levels of 3 to 4 inches per hour, leading to total accumulations of 2 to 4 inches in many areas. Isolated locations could exceed 5 inches of rain, raising concerns for flash flooding. These weather conditions have already impacted local aviation, with thunderstorms prompting Miami International Airport to implement a ground stop. The situation highlights the pressing nature of the weather crisis affecting the region and underscores the need for vigilance among residents and visitors as they navigate potentially dangerous conditions. The storms are characterized as slow-moving, likely to push towards coastal areas and contribute to worsening flood risks. Furthermore, the weather's immediate forecast suggests that rain will continue into Wednesday, with more scattered showers and thunderstorms expected, accompanied by additional rainfall of 1 to 3 inches. Areas prone to flooding include Miami, Hialeah, Coral Gables, and several other urban locales, particularly those with poor drainage where flood advisories point to increased risks of minor inundation. While a slight decrease in rain activity may unfold by Thursday due to moving Saharan dust and drier air, forecasters warn that the potential for storms will still linger as moisture remains in the atmosphere. The intense weather this week precedes a dry weekend, which could bring rising temperatures and a possible return of extreme heat, reaching into the low 90s, with conditions feeling even hotter as humidity returns. These swings in climate raise awareness of the unpredictable severe weather patterns common in South Florida, putting local infrastructure and residents to the test as they cope with frequent and impactful storm systems.