Florida, USA - June 14, 2024

Storyline:
Flood and tornado watches continue across Florida as bands of torrential rainfall drench portions of the sunshine state, creating hazardous conditions.

The city of Sarasota experienced a record-breaking downpour on Tuesday night, with over 10 centimeters of rain falling in just one hour. Other parts of the state were similarly affected, with Miami Beach recording nearly 18 centimeters of rainfall in the past twenty-four hours.

Hurricane season is just beginning, typically the most dangerous period for weather events on the Gulf Coast. However, numerous weather emergencies in the U.S. this year have already nearly depleted federal government emergency funds.

On Wednesday, heavy rains in South Florida left roads flooded, shut down highways, caused airport delays and cancellations, and stranded many people in their vehicles. The flooding was severe enough across south Florida to prompt the weather service to issue a flash flood emergency, the most urgent type of warning possible.

Mark Pulaski has lived in Miami all his life. He says he hasn't seen this much water in decades.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for several counties in south Florida on Wednesday night.

Residents were advised not to drive during the emergency and to seek higher ground until flood waters receded. However, the evening commute turned into a nightmare.

The ground is so saturated from Wednesday's rain that even smaller amounts could cause flash flooding. Total rainfall from the storm may exceed 45 cm in certain areas.

Forecasters predict another round of extreme weather stretching from Florida's west coast to the east coast, with the peak of hurricane season still ahead.

Shotlist:
Florida, USA - June 14, 2024:
Florida, USA - June 12-14, 2024
1. Vehicles moving in water;
2. Pedestrian walking with water up to knees;
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Mark Pulaski, Miami resident (starting with shot 2/partially overlaid with shot 4):
"So I was working yesterday, but then when I came home, I got to right over there, and I noticed how flooded the street was, didn't want to risk it. So I left my truck there and then walked home. And pretty much closer when I got to my house, it came all the way to my knees. So luckily, it didn't come in, but right up against the house. I got waterfront property now."
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4. Various of vehicles in water
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5. Various of flood water, vehicles moving in water;
6. Flooded road;
7. Various of vehicles moving, pedestrians walking;
8. Vehicle stuck in water;
9. SOUNDBITE (English) Mark Pulaski, Miami resident (starting with shot 8/partially overlaid with shot 10):
"It seems like it's only getting worse every year. And I mean then we also have the king tides and stuff. Unfortunately, I think we're not in great shape."
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10. Residents rowing
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11. Pedestrian walking;
12. Vehicles moving in water.

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