Fort Lauderdale airport closes as severe storms cause flash floods

Florida’s Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport shut down Wednesday night as heavy rain battered the region, causing flash floods that blocked airport entrances and stranded drivers.

The airport will reportedly be closed until at least 1 a.m., authorities told NBC 6.

Airport officials announced that all flights and ground transportation shuttle service were halted shortly before 5 p.m. as a tornado warning was issued for the region and rainfall quickly flooded streets. 

Radar showed that over 14 inches of rain had fallen in the area, with an additional five inches possible, according to the Ohio Storm Center.

Soon after, officials said the roadway entrances and exit to the airport were “impassible,” and asked people not to try and drive to the airport as the roads became congested with stalled vehicles.

NBC 6 reporter Niko Clemmons shared footage of the airport that showed several cars trapped in the floodwaters, which reached up to the windows of some vehicles.

In the area near the airport, many vehicles pulled over as passengers learned that their flights are delayed or canceled, Clemmons reported in another clip he shared of the traffic situation.

Another video posted on Twitter showed the airport parking garage filled with water.

Officials in Fort Lauderdale also closed the Kinney Tunnel due to the weather and has asked drivers to stay off the roads.