Southern Florida Hit by Rare Flash Flood Emergency Amid Tropical Disturbance

A tropical disturbance has caused a flash flood emergency in southern Florida, affecting areas like Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. The Florida Panthers faced delays on their way to Stanley Cup games against the Edmonton Oilers due to the heavy rainfall on Wednesday.

The storm system originated in the Gulf of Mexico and coincided with the beginning of the hurricane season in early June. While not predicted to form into a cyclone, the disturbance poses a risk as it moves across Florida towards the Atlantic Ocean, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Multiple roads in Broward County, including Interstate 95, were flooded and closed for traffic, prompting a state of emergency declaration by Governor Ron DeSantis for five counties, including Broward and Miami-Dade on the east coast, and Collier, Lee, and Sarasota on the west coast. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava also declared a local emergency.

The National Weather Service issued warnings of life-threatening flooding in Miami and surrounding areas, urging residents to seek safer ground. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport experienced delays and cancellations, impacting travel plans for many.

In Melbourne, an EF-1 tornado struck Hobe Sound, causing damage and blocking access to Jupiter Island. This extreme weather comes amid a forecast for an active hurricane season by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which predicts above-average storm activity.