Gov. Ron DeSantis declares state of emergency for South Florida after torrential rain
Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in Miami-Dade, Broward and several other Florida counties Wednesday night after a torrential downpour caused life-threatening flash floods that inundated the region.
DeSantis signed an executive order that focused on five counties: Miami-Dade, Broward, Collier, Lee, and Sarasota. The order allows for emergency resources and preparation to move quicker and more freely.
“...I declare that a major state of emergency exists in Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade, and Sarasota counties.,” DeSantis said.
According to the order, portions of South Florida received 10 to 15 inches of rainfall — affecting major interstates, roadways, airports, and schools. Additional heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast over the next several days.
Similarly, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava issued a local state of emergency Wednesday evening to better allocate resources toward recovery efforts after rain bombs slammed the county.
READ MORE: ‘We’re prepared for the worst’: South Floridians weather ‘rare’ flash flood emergency
Earlier in the day, Cava said county employees were actively working to reduce the damage caused by flash flooding.
“I just declared a local state of emergency, effective immediately, in response to the inclement weather in South Florida,” she said in an X post. “As our departments work to keep residents and business safe, this is a necessary step to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our entire community.”
I just declared a local state of emergency, effective immediately, in response to the inclement weather in South Florida. As our departments work to keep residents and business safe, this is a necessary step to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our entire community. pic.twitter.com/cxI6NfdGVs
— Daniella Levine Cava (@MayorDaniella) June 12, 2024