DeSantis Declares State of Emergency
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has declared a state of emergency in response to extensive flooding and heavy rainfall that affected large areas of the state on Wednesday.
The emergency declaration covers Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade, and Sarasota counties.
According to the executive order, Governor DeSantis highlighted that an area of low pressure was responsible for the "severe weather, widespread heavy rainfall amounting to 10 to 15 inches, and consequential flooding" throughout southern Florida.
He warned that further adverse weather conditions are expected in the coming days, potentially worsening the situation.
Infrastructure at Risk as DeSantis Declares State of Emergency
In the emergency declaration, Governor DeSantis cautioned that the severe weather could impair the "operational capability of critical infrastructure," including major roadways, schools, and airports. He noted that the anticipated weather in the near future is likely to "exacerbate" the already severe flooding in the affected areas.
Gov. DeSantis declares state of emergency after storm flooding in parts of Florida https://t.co/CjdrFKzvOc
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On Wednesday afternoon, the National Weather Service in Miami issued warnings about "life-threatening flooding" in the region. Residents were advised to seek higher ground immediately and drivers were urged to stay off the roads to avoid danger.
Ongoing Flood Warnings in Effect for South Florida
The Florida Division of Emergency Management announced that flood warnings for Dade and Broward counties would persist through the night.
They stressed the importance of avoiding floodwaters, especially after dark, and reminded people to "Turn around, don’t drown!" The division also urged residents to heed all local officials' orders and ensure they have multiple means of receiving emergency alerts.
Local States of Emergency Declared Amidst Torrential Rainfall
The South Florida Sun Sentinel reported that between midnight and 6 p.m. on Wednesday, the National Weather Service recorded 10 to 15 inches of rainfall in Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, and Aventura. The deluge left many motorists stranded on flooded roads and caused delays for travelers at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
Due to the severe weather conditions, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, and Dania Beach declared local states of emergency on Wednesday, the Sun Sentinel noted.
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