Severe flooding triggered by heavy rainfall wreaked havoc in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas in South Florida on Wednesday. According to the National Weather Service, the region received between 10 to 14 inches of rainfall in just a few hours, leading to flash flooding in several parts of the city. The floodwaters also made their way to the Fort Lauderdale Airport, leading to its closure for a few hours.

Videos shared on social media showed streets and parking lots submerged in water, with some vehicles almost completely submerged. WPLG Local 10 reported that some residents had to abandon their cars and walk through waist-deep water to reach their homes.

The flooding also left some residents stranded, including a woman who was stuck in her car in Fort Lauderdale. She reportedly called the police for help, and the fire department was able to rescue her.

The Miami Herald reported that the flooding was discussed at a meeting of Florida flood managers in Miami. The managers discussed the challenges posed by the heavy rainfall and brainstormed ways to improve flood control measures in the state.

Fortunately, there were no reports of any injuries or fatalities due to the flooding. However, the cleanup operation is likely to be extensive and could take days or even weeks. Despite the floodwaters receding, officials have urged residents to remain cautious while traveling and to alert authorities of any dangerous conditions.

The incident serves as a reminder of the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, a trend that scientists attribute to climate change.