State of Emergency Declared After Flooding, Two Deaths on Florida’s East Coast

Florida’s governor declared a state of emergency for seven counties after three days of extreme rainfall caused flooding in Brevard, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie counties.

The “1-in-1,000-year” event, as it was described by the National Weather Service, produced almost 24 inches of rain at Malabar in a 24-hour period; almost 20 inches at Palm Bay; and 13 inches in and around Melbourne, on Florida’s east coast, the Florida Today news site reported.

Two deaths were reported in the area, including one man who was later found in his truck, news outlets reported. Brevard County Sheriff’s deputies and state Fish and Wildlife conducted some 160 rescues, and vehicles could be seen floating down streets. Some residents reported as much as five feet of water inside homes in Palm Bay, Florida Today noted.

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ emergency declaration helps pave the way for state and federal assistance for municipalities and residents affected by the floods.

The rainfall was the product of a slow-moving, low-pressure system over the eastern Gulf of Mexico, pushed by a high-pressure system off the East Coast, The Weather Channel reported.

Topics Florida Flood