Flash Flood Warnings Hit Miami-Dade as Heavy Thunderstorms Dump Up to 5 Inches
Thunderstorms dump up to 5 inches of rain across Miami-Dade County, triggering multiple flash flood warnings and advisories Tuesday night.
MIAMI, FLORIDA — Multiple flash flood warnings and advisories covered Miami-Dade County Tuesday night as thunderstorms brought heavy rainfall totaling up to five inches in some areas, prompting emergency alerts from the National Weather Service.
The most severe flash flood warning, issued at 10:28 PM EDT, affected northern Miami-Dade communities where Doppler radar and automated rain gauges recorded between four and five inches of rainfall. The warning remained in effect until 11:15 PM EDT for areas including Hialeah, Miami Gardens, North Miami, North Miami Beach, Miami Lakes, and Opa-Locka.
Flash flooding was either ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the warned areas, according to the National Weather Service Miami office. An additional one to two inches of rain was forecast to fall in the warned zones.
Multiple Areas Under Flood Alerts
A second flash flood warning covered similar northern Miami-Dade areas where three to four inches of rain had fallen by 10:11 PM EDT. Communities affected by this warning included Hialeah, Miami Gardens, North Miami, North Miami Beach, Miami Lakes, Opa-Locka, Hard Rock Stadium, Westview, Golden Glades, Country Club, Pinewood, Ojus, Saint Thomas University, and Ives Estates.
Additional flood advisories targeted central and southern Miami-Dade areas where one to two inches of rain had accumulated. These advisories covered Miami, Miami Beach, Virginia Key, Miami Shores, North Bay Village, El Portal, Port Of Miami, Little Haiti, Downtown Miami, Fisher Island, Marlins Park, Gladeview, Pinewood, and West Little River.
Flooding Impacts and Safety Concerns
The National Weather Service warned residents to expect flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses, as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. Minor flooding in low-lying areas and ponding of water in urban locations was occurring or imminent across the advisory zones.
Weather officials noted that additional rainfall amounts up to two inches were expected over the affected areas, which would result in continued minor flooding conditions. The combination of already saturated ground and additional precipitation created dangerous conditions for motorists and pedestrians.
Tourism and entertainment venues were among the locations expected to experience flooding, including Miami Beach, Surfside, Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Bay Harbor Islands, Bal Harbour, Golden Beach, and the FIU North Campus.
Emergency Preparedness Reminder
The National Weather Service reminded residents that most flood fatalities occur in vehicles and advised against driving through flooded roads. The agency directed residents to safety resources available at weather.gov/safety/flood for additional flood preparedness information.
All warnings and advisories were scheduled to expire between 11:15 PM and 11:30 PM EDT Tuesday, though residents were advised to remain vigilant for continued weather developments and potential renewed flood threats.
