Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is facing the aftermath of a rare flash flood emergency, which has already caused significant disruptions in the region. According to the Associated Press, the flooding was triggered by a tropical disturbance that has been moving across Florida from the Gulf of Mexico, coinciding with the early start of an expected hyperactive hurricane season. With more heavy rainfall anticipated on Thursday and Friday, local officials and residents are bracing themselves to possibly endure even more challenging conditions.

The National Hurricane Center has observed the storm system, reminding the public that it isn’t cyclone status yet but still poses considerable threats to the region. Warnings have been plentiful, with the National Weather Service in Miami calling attention to continued heavy rainfall over the region, which, even if short-lived, could intensify the flooding. “Even a small duration of heavy rainfall could lead to more flash flooding!,” the agency stressed in a post on social media platform X. As roads remain inundated, traffic on major arteries like Interstate 95 in Broward County has been disrupted, compelling the Florida Highway Patrol to deploy contractors to hastily pump out the water.

In response to the escalating crisis, local leaders have taken decisive action, with the mayors of Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood declaring a state of emergency for their cities. Governor Ron DeSantis followed suit, declaring a state of emergency for five counties to address what the WSVN reports as the encroaching impact of the severe weather. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava also issued a local state of emergency, signaling the gravity of the situation.