The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flood watch for Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach due to the arrival of heavy rains that could bring up to seven inches of water (almost 18 centimeters) in some areas of South Florida.
The alert will be in effect from 10:00 a.m. this Sunday until 3:00 p.m. on Monday. Accumulations of between three and five inches are expected in various areas, with higher amounts recorded in isolated spots, according to WSVN reported.
The NWS warned that the heavy rains could cause street flooding, road closures, and damage to properties in vulnerable areas.
The threat is particularly significant for Broward and northern Miami-Dade, where CBS Miami places the risk of flash flooding at level 2.
The storms will intensify during the afternoon and night on Sunday and may extend into Monday. East winds will promote the formation of rain bands that will repeatedly drench the same areas.
The problem is that the ground is already saturated. The water table remains high after several days of exceptionally high tides, making it difficult for new precipitation to drain.
The meteorologist Chelsea Ambriz from NBC 6 warned that there will be "little opportunity for any heavy rain to drain" and that flood-prone areas should expect water accumulation.
Hialeah and other communities with low-lying areas or poor drainage could experience rapid flooding in streets and residential areas.
The danger increases for drivers. The NWS reminds that just 6 inches of water can cause a loss of control of a vehicle, while about 12 inches can make many cars float. Authorities advise against attempting to cross flooded roads.
Additionally, the time change that took effect this Sunday in Florida means it will get dark approximately one hour earlier, making it more difficult for those driving in the rain at the end of the afternoon to see clearly.
An advisory for elevated waves remains in effect on the beaches of Broward, while the risk of rip currents persists.
By Tuesday, the day of the midterm elections in the United States, an improvement in the weather is expected, although there is still a 50% chance of rain.
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