Heavy rain brings flooding, difficult travel to Fort Lauderdale

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Heavy rain-soaked Fort Lauderdale on Thursday morning, leaving water-covered streets and creating difficult travel conditions in some areas as residents navigated the downpour.

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Umbrellas were a common sight as people waited at bus stops and made their way to work and other morning destinations.

For some Fort Lauderdale residents, however, the heavy rain can mean more than a wet commute. Rising water can quickly lead to flooding around homes and yards.

A resident who lives near Northwest 13th Street and Ninth Avenue said rising water can wash out his entire yard during periods of heavy rainfall.

The downpours also can overwhelm storm drains, causing water to collect on streets and in low-lying areas.

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In some neighborhoods, the flooding began to recede once the rain eased, allowing standing water to drain away.

Broward County officials said all available vacuum trucks have been deployed to clear stormwater systems and assist with flooding in high-risk areas.

The county also has pumps ready for use in low-lying areas and said crews will continue flood-control operations throughout the day.

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