13 Apr 2023 | 01:58 AM UTC
US: Adverse weather forecast across South Florida through at least April 13
Severe weather forecast across South Florida, US through April 13. Flight disruptions ongoing.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across parts of South Florida through at least April 13. The National Weather Services' Weather Prediction Center has warned of a moderate risk (level 3 on a four-tier scale) of excessive rainfall across parts of southeast Florida and a slight risk of excessive rainfall across most of the rest of South Florida through early April 13. Authorities have issued a flash flood emergency for areas near Hollywood, Dania Beach, and Fort Lauderdale through at least 23:00 EDT April 12. A flash flood warning is in place for Broward County, while flood watches are in place for portions of South Florida. Officials could update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Authorities have closed Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to flights and roadway traffic until further notice due to heavy rain, strong winds, and flooded access roads. Brightline train services between Miami and Fort Lauderdale are suspended. The Kinney Tunnel in downtown Fort Lauderdale and parts of Southeast 17th Street are closed. Authorities have advised drivers to stay off the roads until floodwaters recede. Portions of Broward and Miami-Dade counties are flooded. Further adverse weather will likely cause additional disruptions across parts of the affected area and hamper recovery efforts.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days and tornado warnings advising the public to shelter in place. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where severe weather impacts utility networks.
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Severe weather will also likely trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in flood- or tornado-hit areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
