Heavy rain in South Florida on Wednesday caused widespread flooding, leading to the closure of a stretch of Interstate 95 and issues at airports. The closure of the southbound lanes at Griffin Road resulted in traffic diversions and vehicles being allowed to re-enter the highway at Stirling Road. Although one vehicle was flooded, there were no reported injuries. The closure was expected to remain in effect until the water drained from the highway.
In addition to the closure of I-95, other areas of the highway were experiencing flooding, including the southbound ramp at 151st Street and the northbound ramp at 135th Street. Express lanes at Northwest 67th Street were also flooded. Major roadway flooding was reported in various areas across Miami-Dade and Broward counties, including Hallandale Beach, downtown Miami, and North Miami Beach.
Miami-Dade County officials had been proactive in preparing for the heavy rain, with crews working to reduce flooding in some hotspots. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava urged residents and visitors to stay safe, avoid flooded areas, and remain vigilant for possible hazards. The Tri-Rail system also experienced issues due to flooding, prompting the shutdown of tracks between Metrorail Transfer and MiamiCentral stations.
In Fort Lauderdale, high water on roadways led to the signing of a State of Emergency by Mayor Dean Trantalis. Hollywood responders assisted trapped motorists, while Dania Pointe in Dania Beach saw cars stuck on roadways and driving on sidewalks to navigate floodwaters. Wilton Manors Police reported underwater conditions at Andrews Avenue, urging motorists to stay off roadways.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport experienced delays and cancellations due to standing water on airport premises and neighboring roads. FlightAware reported 224 delays and 181 cancellations at FLL, while Miami International Airport had 374 delays and 264 cancellations. Both airports advised travelers to check with airlines for flight information and to stay updated on weather conditions.
The heavy rain and flooding in South Florida disrupted travel and daily activities, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and caution during severe weather events. Stay tuned for further updates on the situation in the region.