US: Adverse weather forecast across southern Florida through at least early June 15 /update 1

Severe weather is forecast across southern Florida through at least early June 15. Over the coming days, prolonged heavy to excessive rainfall is expected across southern Florida, with over 18 cm (7 inches) of rainfall likely. Showers and thunderstorms are likely across other parts of the state to a lesser extent.

As of late June 12, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flood and flash flood watches and warnings across southern Florida. The NWS's Weather Prediction Center has warned of a slight risk of excessive rainfall (the second lowest level on a four-tier scale) across southern Florida through early June 15. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories over the coming days.

Florida authorities have declared an emergency for Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade, and Sarasota counties due to the heavy rainfall and flooding, while Fort Lauderdale City and Miami-Dade County declared local states of emergencies. Authorities canceled more than 320 flights at Miami International Airport (MIA) and more than 280 flights at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Authorities have closed all southbound lanes on the part of Interstate 95 in Broward County from Oakland Park Boulevard to Griffin Road in Dania Beach, near the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), until further notice due to flooding. Traffic is being diverted at Oakland Park Boulevard, and vehicles can re-enter Interstate 95 at Stirling Road. Brightline train services between Miami and Aventura and Tri-Rail services between Metrorail Transfer and MiamiCentral stations are suspended. Broward County public schools are closed June 13.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further flooding, especially in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of 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. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.

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 could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the affected regions.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities and some employees' inability to reach work sites.