Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and several schools were closed on Monday, April 12, following heavy rainfall and flooding in the area. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for the region, urging residents to exercise caution and stay indoors.
The airport, which serves over 36 million passengers annually, suspended operations due to the severe weather conditions. Several flights were delayed or cancelled, and passengers were advised to check with their airlines for updates.
In addition, Broward County Public Schools announced that all campuses and offices would be closed for the day due to the flooding. The closure affected over 270,000 students and staff members.
The heavy rainfall was caused by a slow-moving storm system that moved into the area on Sunday and lingered through Monday. According to the National Weather Service, the storm dumped over 10 inches of rain on parts of Broward County, causing widespread flooding and road closures.
Local authorities urged residents to avoid driving through flooded areas and to stay indoors if possible. Emergency crews were deployed to assist with water rescues and to monitor the situation.
This is not the first time that Fort Lauderdale has experienced severe flooding due to heavy rainfall. In 2019, the city was hit by a similar storm system that caused widespread flooding and property damage.
The incident highlights the need for communities to be prepared for extreme weather events and to take precautions to ensure their safety. With climate change causing more frequent and severe weather events, it is important for individuals and governments to take action to mitigate the impacts and protect vulnerable communities.
As the storm system moves out of the area, residents and officials will begin to assess the damage and work towards recovery efforts. In the meantime, the closure of the airport and schools serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and safety in the face of extreme weather events.