FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida, USA (AP) — Meteorologists warned the population of Florida to prepare for more flash floods after a tropical disturbance dumped up to 20 inches of rain in various parts of the southern state, with conditions expected to worsen on Friday.
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The disorganized storm system, coming from the Gulf of Mexico, was hitting Florida at approximately the same time that the early June hurricane season was starting, which, according to forecasts, is expected to be one of the most active in recent memory, amid concerns that climate change may increase the intensity of storms.
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The heavy rains on Tuesday extended until Wednesday, delaying flights at two of the state's largest airports and leaving vehicles flooded and stranded on some of the lowest streets in the region. On Thursday, travelers were trying to salvage their plans while residents cleared debris before the next cycle of rain.
Flash floods could occur
The National Weather Service warned that even small amounts of precipitation could have an impact on saturated areas, causing flash floods on Friday, before the region has a chance to recover.
"It looked like the beginning of a zombie movie," said Ted Rico, a tow truck driver who spent much of Wednesday night and Thursday morning helping to remove stranded vehicles from the streets. "There are cars scattered everywhere, on the sidewalks, in the medians, in the middle of the street, with their lights off. It's crazy, you know? Abandoned cars everywhere."
Rico, from One Master Trucking Corp., was born and raised in Miami, and said he was ready for the emergency.
“You know when it’s coming,” he said. “Every year it gets worse, and for some reason, people just keep going, trudging through the puddles.”