Well folks, it looks like Fort Lauderdale just couldn’t handle the rain. The city has been hit with more than 2 feet of rain, and let’s just say it’s not looking pretty. Traffic is backed up, cars are stranded, and people are stuck in the middle of it all. You could say it’s a bit of a disaster, to put it lightly.
Mayor Dean Trantalis is feeling the heat as he explains that the amount of rainfall is, and I quote, “unprecedented.” Even the sky is like, hold my beer on this one! We’re talking an additional 2 to 3 inches of rain still pouring down on Thursday. If Noah’s Ark passes by, don’t be surprised!
Emergency services are working hard but can’t keep up with the calls. About 900 calls to the city’s fire department were made, including rescues. While it’s an intense situation, we have some good news! There have been no deaths reported, and around 600 people were safely taken to shelters. So, your silver lining is arriving late but better late than never!
Now, let’s talk about the schools. Sorry kiddos, but Broward County Public Schools canceled classes on Thursday and Friday as well. Damn Daniel, back at it again with the closed schools! At least the staff is repairing facilities, but some areas are completely unreachable. The estimated damages are around $2 million thus far, and most of it is due to flooding. Who needs swimming classes when you can just float in the corridors?
But why is this happening? Basically, it’s because of a slow-moving frontal system combined with a low pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s science speak for, we’re getting a LOT of rain. If you’re not convinced, let me tell you that there were even two tornadoes in Broward County. Both were short-lived, but can we just take a moment to imagine Florida Man trying to surf a tornado?
Good news though, the heaviest of the rain has stopped. We can’t say the same about the flooding, though. It seems that the flood warning will continue for the Fort Lauderdale area until 8 a.m. on Friday. The weather service just wants to remind us that numerous roads are still flooded. Not that we needed the reminder, as we can all see the gondolas onto Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
Stay safe out there, folks! And remember, if you hear someone say, “it’s raining cats and dogs,” they’re probably not joking!
Serious News: cnbc