Severe flooding swept through Palm Bay, Florida, killing two people and leading to hundreds of rescues. One family reported as much as 38 inches of water in their living room.
Here's what to know
According to ABC News, 34-year-old Joshua Bennett and 78-year-old Archie Richards died in the storm, which inundated streets, homes, and businesses across several counties, including Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie.
Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina said one of the victims died in a vehicle, per the outlet.
Southern Brevard County received as much as two feet of rain over Sunday and Monday as a low-pressure system over the Gulf sent a steady stream of moisture toward the Florida peninsula, and officials cautioned that the water would need several days to recede.
"That is devastation within our city," Medina said, per ABC News. He added that many homes suffered significant damage.
More background
The emergency also disrupted education and midterm voting.
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Officials told ABC News that schools closed, while polling stations were relocated from Magnolia Park Town Hall after the parking lot flooded.
The station shared a clip of a student disembarking a school bus and navigating thigh-deep waters in St. Lucie.
What's being done?
For people trapped in flooded areas, emergency crews brought help by boat and in specialized high-water vehicles, Medina said in a press conference.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said that its crews brought over 60 people to safety in Brevard County on Monday, according to Spectrum News 13 (@news13), which posted footage of one of the rescues via a helicopter.
Officials have warned that the danger hasn't passed. According to ABC News, residents are urged to avoid flooded roads, rapidly flowing water, and fallen power lines.
During his trip to Palm Bay, Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins also met with families impacted by the storm as state and local officials work together to assess damage.
"This is heartbreaking. When you talk to citizens who literally just moved here, from Louisiana, got set up, got settled — everything they own is wrecked. It's a huge loss," Collins said, per ABC News.
Where can I learn more?
Across Florida, communities have faced flooded homes and lengthy recovery periods.
• Deerfield Beach families say three floods in six years mean a year away from home.
• Indiantown residents blamed clogged drains for flooding after heavy rain inundated homes and cars.
• Indiantown residents demanded answers after four inches of rain flooded homes, cars, and streets.
• Florida flood crews pulled debris from canals, including coolers, toys, and softballs, as waters stayed high.
• A Dania Beach condo president said drivers roaring through floodwaters worsened a $6 million loss.
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