DeSantis declares state of emergency over Florida flooding

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in five counties after severe flooding and rainfall impacted large areas of the state Wednesday.

The order affects Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade, and Sarasota counties.

DeSantis said an area of low pressure resulted in “severe weather, widespread heavy rainfall with totals of 10 to 15 inches, and consequential flooding” across southern Florida on Wednesday, with more weather expected in the coming days, according to the executive order.

He warned in the order that the weather could affect the “operational capability of critical infrastructure,” including major roadways, schools and airports. He said additional weather in the coming days will likely “exacerbate” the flood conditions in the affected areas.

The National Weather Service in Miami warned Wednesday afternoon of “life-threatening flooding” occurring in the area. The service urged residents to seek higher ground at the time and for drivers to get off the roads.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management said the flooding warnings will continue overnight for Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

“It’s never safe to enter floodwaters – and they’re especially dangerous at night. Turn around, don’t drown! Listen to all orders from local officials and have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts,” the division wrote in a post on social platform X.

The South Florida Sun Sentinel reported that 10-15 inches of rain fell in the areas of Hallandale Beach, Hollywood and Aventura between midnight and 6 p.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. The outlet reported that many people were stranded in the cars while traveling on flooded roads, and there were delays at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood and Dania Beach all declared local states of emergency Wednesday, according to the outlet.