A tropical disturbance caused an uncommon flash flood emergency across southern Florida, as residents braced for further heavy rainfall on June 13 and 14. Downpours on June 12 led to flooding that inundated roads, floated vehicles, and even delayed the Florida Panthers’ journey to Stanley Cup games in Canada against the Edmonton Oilers. This disorganized storm system moved over Florida from the Gulf of Mexico just as hurricane season began in early June. Experts predict this year’s hurricane season to be one of the most active in recent history, with growing concerns that climate change is amplifying storm strength.

The National Hurricane Center indicated that the disturbance had not yet become a cyclone and had only a small chance of developing into a tropical system once it moves into the Atlantic Ocean after crossing Florida.

According to a statement on June 12 from the hurricane center’s website, heavy rainfall was expected to persist across parts of the Florida peninsula in the coming days.

Numerous roads were submerged and impassable due to flooding. In Broward County, on the major highway Interstate 95, southbound traffic was redirected around a flooded area. The Florida Highway Patrol communicated via email that contractors were en route to pump out the drainage system, and the interstate would remain closed until the water was cleared.

The Miami weather service office issued increasingly urgent warnings, stating on social media that “life-threatening flooding is currently underway.” They advised people to avoid driving and seek higher ground immediately.

On June 12, mayors in Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood declared a state of emergency for their cities due to the flooding. Later that day, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also declared a state of emergency for Broward and Miami-Dade counties on the Atlantic coast, as well as Collier, Lee, and Sarasota counties on the west coast. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava also declared a local state of emergency.

In Hollywood, Mr. Mike Viesel recounted an incident on June 12 afternoon when he and his dog Humi encountered deep floodwaters on a low-lying street while driving home. He told the Miami Herald that as he slowed down and stopped, other vehicles passing by caused more water to enter his car, eventually stalling the engine. Viesel expressed concern for his dog, who he said “has a problem with water,” preventing him from leaving the vehicle.

In Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood, Mr. Alfredo Rodriguez, who moved into a building a year ago, found water puddles in the lobby on Wednesday morning. He mentioned to the Herald that the building has flooded five times since he moved in, expressing frustration about the flooded streets that made it difficult to maneuver his car.

At Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, dozens of flights were either delayed or canceled. The Florida Panthers of the NHL faced a delay of over three hours in departing from Fort Lauderdale for their lengthy flight to Edmonton for Games 3 and 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Further north, the National Weather Service in Melbourne confirmed an EF-1 tornado struck Hobe Sound on Florida’s Atlantic Coast north of West Palm Beach on the morning of June 12. The tornado caused damage including downed banyan trees and some damage to a store, though no injuries were reported. Debris on the road leading to wealthy Jupiter Island temporarily blocked access.

The week had already seen heavy rain and strong winds across Florida. According to the National Weather Service, Miami received approximately 6 inches (15 centimeters) of rain on Tuesday, while Miami Beach recorded 7 inches (17 centimeters), and Hollywood saw about 5 inches (12 centimeters).

Bryan McNoldy, a senior research associate at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School, highlighted on social media that parts of South Florida received around 9 inches (23 centimeters) of rain between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. on June 12, in addition to previous rainfall on June 11.

In summary, the situation was described as challenging and disruptive by Mr. McNoldy, underscoring the severity of the weather conditions affecting South Florida.

The Miami weather service office extended a flash flood watch through Thursday, anticipating more rainfall for the remainder of the week, with some areas possibly receiving an additional 6 inches (15 centimeters) of rain. This forecast comes as the western part of the state, which has been experiencing a prolonged drought, also saw significant rainfall. Sarasota Bradenton International Airport reported nearly 6.5 inches (16.5 centimeters) of rain on June 11, leading to flash flood warnings in those areas.

Looking ahead, forecasts indicate an unusually active hurricane season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) projects an 85% likelihood that the Atlantic hurricane season will be above average, expecting between 17 to 25 named storms in the upcoming months, including up to 13 hurricanes and four major hurricanes. On average, a typical season sees about 14 named storms.

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