Slow-moving thunderstorms dumped up to 8 inches of rain in the Miami metropolitan area Saturday, flooding downtown and elsewhere. Some parts of South Florida saw 10 inches of rain, according to radar estimates.
As up to 50 mile-per-hour winds whipped through the region and swaths of water flowed through the streets, drivers experienced a bumper-to-bumper bummer. The heavy rain also prompted the National Weather Service to issue flood advisories in some areas, including Boca Raton and Coconut Creek.
Flash flooding is a frequent event in south Florida during the wet season, but the region tends to be drier in February and early March. Sea level rise is complicating drainage in parts of Miami by making storm drains less effective at getting rid of excess water quickly.
As much as 8" of rain between Hollywood & Miami today. Dry season totals usually around 20". For perspective. #FLwx pic.twitter.com/YW86Lt5CqV— David Bernard (@DavidBernardTV) February 28, 2015
Water took over the streets and engulfed sidewalks and a horse-racing park, but that didn't stop one man with a bicycle from seizing the moment.
Tour De @GulfstreamPark pic.twitter.com/yOOMjOMNLm— Sarah Campion (@Scampion16) February 28, 2015
Right now at #MiamiBeach reported by radio station #Hits97.3 #Floods #flooding pic.twitter.com/7Yr5eQcsuy— Yvonne Aguero (@YvonnesPlace) February 28, 2015
They said there was a flood watch....#PalmBeach pic.twitter.com/3emP7WJ4oJ— IN-COM-PLETE! (@Noelle_Thear) February 28, 2015
Just started raining a tad in Miami #Miami pic.twitter.com/QxT6D29JnV— Richard (@FirstEventRich) February 28, 2015
A different view of flooding today in downtown #Miami from the Metromover. (Source unknown.) #flwx #SoFla pic.twitter.com/auAr69WoRD— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) February 28, 2015
Major Flooding Due To Hvy/Rain. Police Have Streets Blocked. Area West Of Hallandale Bch Blvd / East Of Federal Hwy pic.twitter.com/IJM7C1XneR— BREAKING NEWS (@JohnMir12) February 28, 2015
The rain and the flooding is out of control on #MiamiBeach pic.twitter.com/qFECHseJs9— David Ovalle (@DavidOvalle305) February 28, 2015