MIAMI.– A large-scale meteorological phenomenon dumped up to six inches of rain on Miami-Dade County between Saturday and Sunday, according to a report from environmental authorities.
The copious rainfall saturated the region’s soils and mitigated local water shortages, but also caused severe flooding, road disruptions, and the interruption of massive outdoor events.
Sunday’s sudden downpours significantly altered the logistics and flow of attendees at the Calle Ocho festival (Carnaval Miami) in Little Havana.
Likewise, road delays were reported due to flooding on poorly drained streets and overpasses in central areas.
Precipitation volume
The National Weather Service in Miami reported the fall of between one and three inches of water in very short periods during Sunday afternoon.
The rapid saturation of the land forced the issuance of flood warnings due to the projection of three additional inches due to the slow movement of the precipitation sources.
South County experienced the greatest impact. Authorities placed neighborhoods such as Homestead, Florida City, The Redland and Leisure City under high alert due to excessive accumulation of water.
Impact on communities
According to the report, the amount of rain exceeded the capacity of the drains in several residential areas and commercial arteries in the county.
In the Kendall area, residents watched with concern as the water level rose in front of their properties.
“The water rose to the sidewalk in a matter of minutes and completely covered the sewers on my block,” said Marta Rodríguez, a Kendall resident.
The situation was repeated in areas further north, where the volume of water on the asphalt required greater caution from drivers.
“The puddle on 49th covered even the curb (sidewalk) and the cars had to go very slowly,” said Wendy Samuell, a Hialeah resident.
Forecasts and safety guidelines
The wet outlook will continue throughout the current work week in South Florida, according to authorities’ projections.
Weather models anticipate scattered thunderstorms and light rain Monday through Friday, with precipitation chances up to 65%. Relief will come on Saturday and Sunday with the return of sunny conditions.
Given this scenario, the Miami-Dade Emergency Management Department urges drivers to avoid crossing flooded streets and reduce speed on highways.
The authorities also recommend that the population clear drainage channels in homes, keep distance from deep puddles due to the danger of submerged electrical cables, and seek shelter indoors when hearing thunder.
