Post-Pesach Travelers at Fort Lauderdale Airport Left High and Dry After Airport Closed Due to Flooding

by M.C. Millman

Fort Lauderdale Airport is closed after 25.95 inches of rain fell in the past 24 hours, leaving the airport flooded and stranding post-Pesach travelers hoping to get home before Shabbos.

Broward County, which includes Fort Lauderdale issued a state of emergency due to the flooding, while a flood watch is in effect across much of South Florida through Thursday night. The one-day rainfall equals almost 40% of the average for an entire year and has been called a one-in-one-thousand-year rainfall calamity.

Videos taken at Fort Lauderdale's Airport showed water pouring in the terminal door while a river ran down the tarmac between planes.

Flights have been suspended since Wednesday afternoon, with plans to reopen at 9 a.m. Friday after more than 650 flights were canceled on Thursday. The airport's roadways are shut down due to flooding, and more rain is still on the way. 

Photo Credit: Flickr