State of emergency declared in Fort Lauderdale and Dania Beach amid rain and flooding [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

Fort Lauderdale and Dania Beach have both declared a state of emergency after the record rainfall that turned roads into rivers and forced drivers to abandon their cars in search of higher ground.

Many roads in Fort Lauderdale remained impassable on Thursday morning, city officials said. Close to 26 inches of rain fell in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, with most of that falling in just six hours, according to the National Weather Service.

Fort Lauderdale sent out this alert Thursday morning: “Please avoid driving, if possible. Never drive through high water. Turn around, don’t drown.”

Crews are working quickly to clear storm drains and vacuum trucks are being deployed throughout Fort Lauderdale to suction water off the streets. But due to the high volume of water, most areas will need to drain naturally, city officials warn.

Fort Lauderdale City Hall remains closed. The ground floor is flooded, and staff is working to restore power to the building. In Dania Beach, City Hall, the beach, pier and all parks will be closed on Thursday.

Crews are currently assessing streets and infrastructure citywide to ensure public safety. Residents are urged to stay off the streets if possible.

Here’s some helpful information Fort Lauderdale sent out to residents:

Reunification centers

Reunification centers have been set up at Holiday Park at 1150 G. Harold Martin Drive and Winn Dixie at 941 SW 24th St.

Emergency management crews worked continuously through the night to make rescue calls.

The Red Cross arrived at 5 a.m. Thursday to assist with a staging site at the Winn Dixie near State Road 84 and Ninth Avenue. Those affected by the flooding have been taken to this staging area and have been provided with blankets and coffee. This location is also serving as a reunification point.

Transportation services

Parking enforcement is suspended until further notice.

Micro Mover services with Circuit are operating on a limited basis due to impassable roadways.

The Community Shuttle and Water Trolley services are suspended until further notice.

Vehicle recovery

Many vehicles were towed to the side of the roads to clear them. If your car was left abandoned on the roadway and you are unable to find it, call Westway Towing at 954-731-1115, or go to 775 NW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale.

Flood assistance

Residents are encouraged to contact your flood insurance company to address claims of damage to your property.

Additional resources can be found at fortlauderdale.gov/stormupdates for anyone impacted by this storm.

Trash services

Bulk trash services are running this morning; however, crews will not service impassable roads.

This is a developing story, so check back for updates. Click here to have breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.

Susannah Bryan can be reached at sbryan@sunsentinel.com or on Twitter @Susannah_Bryan

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