DeSantis declares state of emergency in South Florida amid torrential rainfall and flooding

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for the southern part of the state on Wednesday evening after heavy rainfall affected the area and forecasts anticipated there is more to come.

Flash flood warnings were issued for parts of Miami-Dade and Broward counties following several hours of intense rains. The city of Sarasota also saw almost four inches of rain in just an hour on Tuesday, with some 10 inches falling throughout the day.

The mayors of Miami-Dade and Fort Lauderdale, Daniella Levine Cava and Dean Trantalis, also declared respective states of emergency, along with the cities of Dania Beach and Sunny Isles Beach.

In Dania Beach police and fire crews conducted at least 40 rescues, CBS News reported. The National Weather Service advised residents to "move to higher ground" and described the situation as "extremely dangerous and life-threatening."

The entity added that the formation hadn't reached cyclone status yet, but that there's a slight chance of it developing into a tropical system once it crosses the state and moves into the Atlantic Ocean.

South Florida officials, on their end, said pump trucks were in place or headed to flooded areas where needed. Power outages were also reported with traffic lights affected as well. Several roads were blocked.

The flooding also led to flight delays and cancellations both at the Miami International and Fort-Lauderdale-Hollywood International airports.

Forecasters have predicted more rain throughout the week, leading authorities to extend the flash flood watch through Thursday.

Florida has been experiencing more extreme weather events as the effects of climate change become more evident. Over the past weeks, the southern part of the state saw a string of record temperatures for this part of the year.

Florida saw its warmest year since 1895 in 2023, with surface temperatures reaching as high as 177 degrees Fahrenheit in certain areas. The state has been under the spotlight on this issue after Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill preventing local authorities from passing legislation protecting workers against extreme heat.

Another effect is the increased pace of rising sea levels. A new report by the Miami Herald showed that over the past 80 years, sea levels have risen approximately one foot, with eight inches of that increase occurring in the last 30 years.

South Florida also faces unique challenges, such as land subsidence, where parts of the land gradually sink. Although this subsidence is minimal, equivalent to the thickness of two credit cards over five years in some Miami Beach areas, it exacerbates the overall situation.