Tropical Storm Eta Causes Flooding Through South Florida

Tropical Storm Eta pushed through South Florida overnight, drenching the region with rain, causing flooding, and leaving many without electricity. According to the National Weather Service, more than 13 inches of rain fell in some areas. Eta is the first storm in 22 years to make landfall in November in the state.

In Broward County, waters ran deep. According to the National Weather Service, Broward County got 7 to 11 inches of rainfall from the storm. Emergency workers had to rescue a man that drifted into a canal in Lauderhill.

Eta came ashore through the Florida Keys and moved into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico, striking the upper keys, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

An artist that works in the industrial area of Hialeah that wishes to remain anonymous, experienced flooding in his warehouse.

“I don’t think it was only because of the storm, I believe it had a lot to do with the maintenance of the drainage system,” he said.

He believes that humans should be blamed for the litter that causes blockages in infrastructure on the border of Hialeah and Brownsville.

“37th avenue between 36th avenue and 71st street looks like a third world country. They don’t maintain the streets. On 37th avenue and 47th street, the street has been taken over by illegal chop shops. There is flooding everywhere,” the artist said.

Stephanie Green, who owns an assisted living home in Lee County, is prepared for the remainder of the storm.

“We’ve experienced a lot of rain this morning. We’re prepared though. You have to be prepared. You never know what will happen,” said Green

Green and her family went a week without power when hurricane Charley hit the region in 2004. Green suggests having water, all medications, a bag with clothing, insurance papers, non-perishable canned foods ready to go in case you have to evacuate. She also recommends carrying cash in case ATM machines are down.

According to the Weather Channel, Eta is expected to make a final landfall as a tropical storm somewhere along either Florida’s Gulf Coast or the northern Gulf Coast later in the week.