South Florida, FL – The NEXT Weather team has extended a weather alert across parts of South Florida into Friday as heavy rain raises concerns for flash flooding, officials say.
Areas Under Advisory
Flood advisories were issued Thursday evening for Broward County, including Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Plantation, and Sunrise, and northern Miami-Dade. Meteorologist Ivan Cabrera, CBS News Miami’s NEXT Weather Chief, noted the storm system was acting like “train tracks,” repeatedly hitting the same neighborhoods and keeping flood risks elevated.
“This is going to be a Broward and North Dade event, and then we’re going to spread things further south for Friday,” Cabrera said.
Heavy Rainfall
Radar indicated rainfall rates up to three inches per hour, with isolated areas receiving as much as five inches in just a few hours. “It’s not just heavy rain; one to three plus inches per hour over the same spot is what causes flooding,” Cabrera explained.
Tropical-Style Pattern
Cabrera said the weather resembles a tropical system, even though no named storm is directly affecting the region. “You get warm rain that continues relentlessly, especially overnight,” he said. While gusts up to 30 mph are possible along the coast, the main hazard remains flash flooding.
Friday Morning Commute Concerns
Officials warned the flooding could affect the early Friday commute. “Everybody likes rain at night, but this could turn into a big flood event and cause problems for morning drivers,” Cabrera noted.
The Weather Prediction Center currently rates South Florida at Level 1 out of 4 for flood risk, with potential upgrades on Friday.
Wet Weekend Ahead
Cabrera also cautioned that the unsettled pattern may continue into the weekend. “Saturday will be pretty wet on and off, and Sunday looks similar, so the alert may be extended,” he said as per CBS News.
Share your thoughts: Are you prepared for flash flooding in your area? Comment below!
