A state of emergency has been declared in South Florida where record-breaking rainfall has led to catastrophic flooding -- and the storm isn't over yet.
A massive storm system drenched the region with more than two feet of rain in 48 hours, forcing people to evacuate their homes and leaving others stranded as roads filled with water and hundreds of flights were canceled.
Rain totals reached 25 inches in Collier County, 20 inches in North Miami, 19 inches in Hollywood and Hallandale, nearly 18 inches in Davie and Oasis, 13 inches in Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach, and 10 inches in Coral Gables, according to the National Weather Service, which issued a rare flash flood emergency due to "life-threatening flooding."
Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade and Sarasota counties.
Forecasters say there is still a high risk of excessive rainfall through Friday morning for portions of southern Florida. While heavy rainfall may not be widespread, flash flooding from rainfall rates of over 1 inch in 15 minutes or over 3 inches per hour will be possible.
"Additional totals of 2-5 inches are likely with locally as high as 10+ inches in isolated locations along the southwest coastal areas extending through the interior of the Peninsula," said the NWS Weather Prediction Center. "Considering the ongoing flooding with many reports of standing high water... the prospects for significant impacts will continue through the afternoon and evening."
A Flood Watch remains in effect for all of South Florida through Friday evening. Periods of widespread showers and thunderstorms with heavy rainfall will lead to the potential for localized flash flooding -- especially across areas where flooding has already occurred from the past several days, the NWS said.
There's also the threat of scattered thunderstorms developing over South Florida on Thursday, some of which could contain gusty winds, heavy downpours and a few funnel clouds or weak tornados, according to the forecast.
Residents have been advised to stay home if possible and avoid driving through high waters or walking into rushing water.