First Tropical System of the Season Causes Flooding in South Florida

FLORIDA—June 4, 2022—The first tropical rainstorm of the season caused significant flooding as it crossed South Florida from the Gulf to the Atlantic coast late Friday into Saturday. The storm dumped more than 11 inches of rain over parts of Florida as streets filled with water and flash flooding submerged cars. In some areas, the water was reported to be waist-deep, with first responders using high water rescue vehicles to assist stranded motorists, according to The Weather Channel.

The storm also caused heavy flooding and landslides in Cuba where authorities have reported at least two deaths that occurred on Friday from the storm’s effects, according to AccuWeather. Although tropical storm-force winds did develop, damaging homes and leaving 50,000 people in Cuba without power, the system has not yet become organized enough to be classified as a tropical cyclone. Flooding also impacted the Florida Keys and the Bahamas, and nearly 200 flights were cancelled as airports were inundated with rain.

City crews in Miami began working Saturday evening to clear storm drains and clean up debris. As the system moves away from Florida’s east coast out into the open ocean, AccuWeather forecasters expect it to strengthen into the season’s first named storm: Tropical Storm Alex. Forecasters have predicted a busy hurricane season, and with South Florida already facing flood damage from a tropical rainstorm just four days into the season, this storm serves as a sober reminder for all coastal residents of the importance of preparedness. Check out these hurricane preparedness resources from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.