Fort Lauderdale has already seen more than 20 inches of rain in September 2026, enough to break the city's monthly rainfall record even before the month is over.
Forecasters also warned that as much as 10 more inches could still fall, raising the threat of additional flooding in a city that is no stranger to the disruption heavy rain can bring.
Here's what to know
By Sept. 23, Fort Lauderdale had recorded over 20 inches of rainfall for the month. This shattered its previous September record of 18.4 inches in 1998, the Sun Sentinel reported.
"Additional rainfall is possible later today and over the next several days before September ends," the weather service also warned.
By early Wednesday, the region had received 20.75 inches of rain for the month, which is more than twice the city's average of 8.61 inches. As repeated storms continue to hit the region, the weather service advised that some places in South Florida could get 8 to 10 inches of rain this week.
Rainfall on that scale can be especially abundant in South Florida, where flat terrain, dense development, and limited drainage capacity can quickly turn prolonged rain into a major problem.
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Even when a storm is not a hurricane, repeated downpours can still overwhelm roads, canals, and stormwater systems.
More background
When heavy rain falls over several days or weeks, the ground and drainage systems have less capacity to handle the next round. That means each additional storm increases the risk of flooded streets and property damage.
Flooded roads can trap drivers and delay emergency responders. Standing water can increase mold and contamination risks inside homes. Repeated damage can also strain household finances, insurance systems, local businesses, and city infrastructure.
Scientists have also warned that a warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, which can lead to heavier downpours. That does not mean every single storm is caused by climate change, but it helps explain why many places are experiencing more intense rain events with more serious consequences.
What can be done?
Cities may be able to lower risk by upgrading stormwater systems, improving pumps and drainage maintenance, protecting wetlands that naturally absorb water, and updating building and road planning to account for more intense rainfall.
Residents in flood-prone areas can monitor local forecasts, clear drains where appropriate, move vehicles away from low-lying spots, protect important documents, and review whether their insurance policies include flood damage.
Drivers should avoid flooded streets, since even shallow water can stall vehicles or conceal damage beneath the surface. Power hazards, contaminated water, and rapidly changing road conditions can make a dangerous situation worse in a matter of moments.
Where can I learn more?
These stories may add context to Fort Lauderdale's record rainfall and why so much rain can become so disruptive in South Florida. They look at flash-flood threats in Florida, increasingly extreme rainfall trends, urban flooding, state weather risks, and the strain on public infrastructure.
• Across Central Florida, flash-flood threat grows as tropical moisture brings drought-busting soaking rain.
• Extreme rainfall keeps intensifying in the U.S., creating a major challenge for cities.
• In New York City, basement flooding drives fear whenever another round of rain moves in.
• Several U.S. states now face worse extreme weather pressures that are getting harder to manage.
• Across the country, public infrastructure is straining under repeated damage from extreme weather.
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