Flash Flood Warning extended for most of South Florida; Broward schools closed

MIAMI – As heavy rain continued to drench most of South Florida, Broward officials announced Wednesday night that public schools would be closed Thursday. 

Miami-Dade officials announced public schools would remain open. 

On Wednesday evening, the National Weather Service extended a Flash Flood Warning for Miami-Dade and Broward through 6 a.m. Thursday. 

CBS News Miami’s chief meteorologist Ivan Cabrera said, “The only reason you should be on the road is if you either have an emergency or you are evacuating because you are in a flooding situation that is life-threatening.”

“Everybody else needs to be off the roads to let emergency vehicles do what they need to do.” 

A Flash Flood Warning means that rapid life-threatening flooding is occurring or will soon begin and you will need to take action immediately to protect life and property.  

Cabrera expects the morning commute to be less impacted, though he expects there will still be a lot of water on the road because of the amount of rainfall that has fallen, which in some places, has been in the double digits.

Cabrera says flooded streets will take a while to drain.

“We will still have some issues in the morning even though by then it will have improved from a rainfall perspective.”

By 1 a.m., the rain should start tapering off.

Dryer air is expected Thursday which should usher a beautiful weekend. 

Thursday morning, we’ll wake up with some showers, but then the rain will gradually move out. Friday and this weekend will be drier with lower rain chances and warmer highs near the mid-80s.  

 >>>>Click here for a list of advisories from the National Weather Service.

Storms soaking South Florida

A Flood Watch remains in effect through Thursday morning for Miami-Dade, Broward, and the Keys due to the widespread heavy rain. 

Earlier in the day, CBS News Miami meteorologist Lissette Gonzalez said there was a significant level 3 risk of excessive rainfall due to the potential for 3 to 8 inches of rain with isolated amounts of up to 10 inches possible. 

A wind advisory is also in effect due to sustained winds of 25 to 30 and gusts up to 40 miles per hour.

There are multiple coastal hazards due to the windy weather. There is a high risk of rip currents and a high surf advisory. In addition, a small craft advisory and gale warning is in effect due to hazardous marine conditions. And minor coastal flooding will be possible around high tide times due to the higher-than-normal king tides.

The heavy rainfall in conjunction with seasonal king tides were expected to cause flooding in Downtown Miami and adjacent areas through Friday, November 17. 

Roadway flooding is typically seen along Biscayne Boulevard between NE 11 Street and NE 13 Street as well as the ramps to and from the MacArthur Causeway. Drivers should avoid flooded areas and seek alternate routes. 

The worst weather was expected Wednesday afternoon and evening with heavy downpours and flooding in some areas.