South Florida in State of Emergency as Torrential Rains Create 'Zombie Movie' Scenes

The state of emergency was declared in South Florida due to excessive rainfall, with more than a foot of rain hitting many parts of the region. The downpour has been compared to scenes from a zombie movie, with streets filled with abandoned cars and chaos reigning.

Unprecedented Deluge

South Florida residents were left in shock as more than 20 inches of rain, nearly 2 feet, fell in some areas over just a few days. The National Weather Service issued a rare "high risk" warning of excessive rainfall on Thursday, the first of its kind since 2022.

Continuing Threat

Despite the downgraded warning, the region still faces the threat of significant damage and flooding. The NWS has warned of potential "considerable to locally catastrophic urban flooding" across South Florida, with a flood watch in effect through Friday evening.

Unusual Weather Phenomenon

Hurricane forecaster Alex DaSilva described the situation as "unusual," attributing the excessive rainfall to two weather systems that have been channeling moisture from the Caribbean. He compared it to "a fire hose turned on jet mode," emphasizing the role of a stalled front across Florida in enhancing the precipitation.

Hurricane Season Impact

This deluge comes at the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, which officials have predicted to be "extremely active." The season is expected to bring up to 25 named storms, up to 13 hurricanes, and between four and seven major hurricanes of at least category 3.

Preparation and Caution

The NWS has advised residents to exercise caution and remain vigilant as the risk of flooding persists. The heavy rainfall and flooding have already led to streets being shut down and a 1-in-1,000-year event farther north in Sarasota, emphasizing the need for preparedness and safety measures.

Expert Commentary

Li Cohen, a senior social media producer at CBS News, emphasized the gravity of the situation in South Florida, highlighting the impact of the excessive rainfall and the need for awareness and preparedness. With the region facing unprecedented challenges, the community must remain resilient and proactive in addressing the climate emergency.