Millions in southern Florida face flash flooding risks due to heavy rainfall, forecasters say
Heavy rainfall on Wednesday brings the risk of numerous flash floods to parts of southern Florida, forecasters say.
Seven million people along the east coast of Florida are under a flood watch through Thursday impacting the urban areas of Miami, Melbourne, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.
The National Weather Service said the heaviest rainfall will occur late Wednesday to early Thursday afternoon with 1-3 inches of rain and localized 4-6 inches of rain by the coast.
The weather service also forecasted wind gusts of 25-35 mph with possible gusts exceeding 40 mph in coastal areas. A high surf advisory was also issued due to the risk of rip currents.
11/14 | A timeline of potential weather hazards from this week's disturbance. Heavy rain, wind, high surf/seas, and minor coastal flooding will affect portions of East Central Florida & the Treasure Coast. #FLwx pic.twitter.com/HHCRiexYRN
— NWS Melbourne (@NWSMelbourne) November 15, 2023
By Thursday, the weather system and scattered heavy rainfall should head northward along Florida's Atlantic coast, according to the NWS. Residents were advised to plan ahead and make sure they have multiple ways to receive weather alerts.
Heavy rainfall watch in Florida
National weather watches and warnings
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Flash flood risks in southern Florida forecast due to heavy rainfall