MIAMI-DADE, Fla. — The first glimpse of sunlight exposed the extent of a significant flash flood on Wednesday in South Florida that left cars floating in murky water and people caught off guard.
An aerial view of the area showed a fuel sheen from at least one car caught in the water. The National Weather Service in Miami warned people to stay out of the floodwaters because of their potential danger.
The water is seen reaching peoples' waists and car doors. In some areas, it is so deep that it lifts cars off their wheels. First responders checked inside vehicles to ensure people weren't trapped, according to NBC South Florida.
Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency for Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade and Sarasota counties late Wednesday afternoon. Earlier that morning, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis declared their own states of emergency, as did officials in Dania Beach and Sunny Isles Beach.
According to a CBS Miami report, Dania Beach had at least 40 rescues conducted by first responders.
This is not the end of the rain that South Florida will see. After picking up nearly 20 inches of rain between Tuesday and Wednesday, the area can expect between 3-6 inches of rainfall on Thursday.
Broward County closed all public schools for summer sessions on June 13 and is preparing to announce plans for June 14 later this afternoon.
The Miami International Airport runway also appeared to be flooded, the aerial video showed. According to its website, the airport has not shut down operations and advises passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.