South Florida is no stranger to rain, but the recent deluge has turned the Sunshine State into the Soaked State. Heavy rainfall continues to threaten the region with additional rounds of heavy flooding, making locals consider swapping their SUVs for schooners.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade, and Sarasota counties, while local officials have also declared states of emergency in several cities, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach, and Sunny Isles Beach. These declarations are not just bureaucratic formalities; they underscore the severe impact of the ongoing deluge.

Flood warnings are currently in place for several cities including Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Naples, and flood watches are expected to remain through Friday evening across Southern Florida. If you're planning a weekend beach outing, you might want to pack a poncho—or maybe a paddle.

Severe flooding has already submerged cars and forced drivers to abandon their vehicles in Hallandale Beach. Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport are leading the nation in flight cancellations and delays, turning travelers' itineraries into exercises in futility.

Public facilities and services are not faring any better. Schools, courts, and other public facilities have been closed in several counties. Tri-Rail service has been suspended between Metrorail Transfer and MiamiCentral stations. Clearly, even our infrastructure needs swimming lessons.

Sandbags have become a hot commodity, being distributed at multiple locations to help residents protect their homes. This impromptu sandbag economy is offering some comic relief amid the gloom, with residents practicing their stacking skills in preparation for the inevitable Atlantis jokes.

Rainfall totals are jaw-dropping, even by Florida standards: over 20 inches in North Miami, more than 19 inches in Hallandale Beach, and nearly 18 inches in Davie. Local officials are warning residents to avoid driving through flooded areas, but it’s a bit like asking fish to avoid water at this point.

The wet, stormy weather pattern is expected to continue through the end of the work week, with a slight decrease in tropical moisture by the weekend, according to meteorologists. Flash floods are expected to grow as consecutive days of storms saturate the soil and overwhelm waterways. The rainfall is linked to a broad, disorganized area of showers and thunderstorms known as the Central American gyre.

Despite the challenges, South Floridians are showing remarkable resilience and, dare we say, an admirable sense of humor. Jokes about Ark Building 101 are floating around, providing a much-needed dose of levity. After all, if the rain refuses to take a break, the least we can do is laugh about it while keeping our feet dry.

So, South Florida residents, hang in there. Stock up on sandbags, prepare your arks, and remember: humor can be your biggest lifeline in these soggy times.

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