FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A radar estimated 20 inches of rain fell in parts of South Florida overnight Wednesday into Thursday, causing the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to temporarily close due to flooding and debris on the airfield.
FLL authorities officially announced the airport would reopen at 9 a.m. Friday after being closed for more than 24 hours, according to their latest travel alert.
The airport says this temporary closure allowed staff to work on restoring some operations on one runway, given the weather conditions do not worse.
"Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for updated flight time before coming to the airport," FLL said. "Thank you for your patience as we work to restore normal operations."
People stuck at the airport posted videos of images on Twitter of stalled traffic and high water on Thursday.
One Twitter user said she was stuck at the airport for eight hours.
Once daylight broke Thursday morning, the aftermath of the torrential rainfall and heavy flood revealed a rain-covered runway at Fort Lauderdale's airport.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency for Fort Lauderdale and other areas which ran into pre-dawn hours Thursday as the chance of thunderstorms continued across the region, warning: “This is a life-threatening situation. Seek higher ground now!”
There have been no immediate reports of injuries or deaths.