The National Weather Service has issued a region-wide flood watch for South Florida as heavy rains are expected to impact the area throughout Monday and into Tuesday. The downpour is forecast to intensify gradually this morning, with the heaviest rainfall anticipated during the afternoon and late-night hours.
Meteorologist William Maxham from the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network warned that most of the region could see between 3 to 6 inches of rain, with the possibility of isolated areas receiving 8 or more inches. He further stated that the region faces a moderate risk of excessive rainfall and highlighted the potential for severe weather.
“With a little bit of daytime heating, the upper-level wind profile could support an isolated tornado,” Maxham cautioned. “The biggest concerns today will be for damaging winds and flash flooding.”
🌧️South Florida will see a very wet Monday and Monday night as a slow system moves across the area.
💧Several rounds of shower and storms could drop 3-6 inches of rain, but some isolated areas across the East Coast metro could see 8 inches or more. pic.twitter.com/pnIXlGKiqy
— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) May 12, 2025
Local governments across South Florida are issuing advisories and making resources available to residents in anticipation of potential flooding:
Fort Lauderdale: A Flood Watch took effect in Fort Lauderdale at 8 a.m. Monday. City officials anticipate most areas will receive 3 to 5 inches of rain and are urging motorists to be vigilant for ponding on roadways, particularly in low-lying areas. They emphasize the critical safety message: never drive through high water. Residents can report impassable roads via FixItFTL or by calling the city’s Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000. Additional information is available at fortlauderdale.gov/stormready.
The city has also opened parking on garage levels 3 and above at the following locations for residents to store their vehicles:
- Las Olas Garage – 200 Las Olas Circle
- Riverwalk Center Garage – 150 SE 2nd Street
Vehicles can remain parked for up to 24 hours after the advisory ends. More details can be found at fortlauderdale.gov/severe-weather-parking.
Miami Beach: A flood watch is in effect for Miami Beach now through Tuesday at 8 a.m. Residents who encounter flooding obstructing access or causing property damage are asked to call 305.673.7625, report it through the Miami Beach Gov app, or email [email protected].
Nine public parking garages are offering free parking to Miami Beach residents until Tuesday at noon. Proof of residency is required upon exiting. The following garages are included in this initiative:
- 200 7th Street
- 512 12th Street
- 1301 Collins Avenue
- 1557 Washington Avenue
- 640 17th Street
- 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue
- 1900 Bay Road
- 340 23rd Street
- 400 West 42nd Street
The garages at the Miami Beach Convention Center (1901 Convention Center Drive), 5 Street & Alton Road (550 Lenox Avenue), and City Hall (1755 Meridian Avenue) are excluded. Non-residents using city parking garages will be subject to standard rates.
Additionally, if a Flash Flood Warning or Emergency is issued, Beach Towing and Tremont Towing will provide $50 flood-related towing within city limits for residents, provided their license and car registration match their address.
Hollywood: Hollywood residents can park for free at four city-owned garages through Wednesday morning. Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis, and proof of residency is required. Commercial trucks and fleet vehicles are not permitted. The participating garages are:
- Garfield Garage (300 Connecticut St.)
- Nebraska Garage (327 Nebraska St.)
- Van Buren Garage (251 S 20th Ave.)
- Radius Garage (251 N 19th Ave.)
Vehicles must be moved by 8 a.m. Wednesday to avoid regular parking fees.
Officials in Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach, and Hollywood are strongly encouraging residents in flood-prone areas to take advantage of these free parking options while the flood watch remains in effect. They urge everyone to stay informed about weather updates and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
