Drivers and residents in Palm Beach County are dealing with waterlogged streets and traffic delays this afternoon as slow-moving thunderstorms dump heavy rain across southeast Florida. The National Weather Service in Miami has issued a Flood Advisory in effect until 5:15 p.m. Thursday, with additional rainfall expected in the coming hours.
What’s Happening Now
As of 3:10 p.m., Doppler radar detected widespread heavy rainfall across the county. So far, 1 to 3 inches of rain has already fallen, and forecasters say 2 to 3 more inches could come down before the storms begin to move out.
The hardest-hit areas so far include:
Boca Raton
Boynton Beach
Delray Beach
Kings Point
Village of Golf
Villages of Oriole
These areas are seeing minor flooding, especially in low-lying neighborhoods and spots with poor drainage. Roadways like Dunes Road and Morikami Park Road are especially affected, with ponding water causing slow traffic and potential hazards.
Important Safety Reminders
Palm Beach emergency officials are reminding residents of a simple but serious warning:
“Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
Most flood-related deaths happen in vehicles. Even just a few inches of water on the road can:
Stall your engine
Cause you to lose control
Hide deeper flood zones underneath
If you’re driving and see water covering the road:
Do not attempt to drive through it
Take a detour or wait until the water recedes
Be especially cautious at night when visibility is lower
Flooding Timeline and What to Expect
Time | Weather Impact |
---|---|
3:00 – 5:00 p.m. | Heavy rain continues in affected areas |
5:15 p.m. | Current advisory expires (unless extended) |
Evening hours | Chance of more storms and possible new alerts |
What You Can Do Now
Stay indoors if possible until the storms pass
Check local news and weather apps for real-time updates
Move your car to higher ground if you’re in a flood-prone area
Avoid walking or biking through flooded streets
Looking Ahead
While the advisory is set to end by 5:15 p.m., the National Weather Service warns that more thunderstorms may redevelop this evening. If that happens, additional advisories or warnings could be issued.
Stay alert, stay safe, and check on neighbors — especially seniors or anyone who may need help moving away from flood-prone zones.
As storms continue to pass through southeast Florida, residents in Palm Beach County should stay cautious. Minor flooding is already causing disruptions, and more rain is expected before conditions improve. Avoid flooded roads, follow safety guidance, and stay connected with local weather updates for the latest information.