SEE IT: Torrential rains bring major flooding to South Florida

By Safia Azizi via SWNS

Torrential rains brought major flooding to South Florida forcing the closure of Fort Lauderdale Airport.

Videos show airplanes on the flooded tarmac at Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport and several vehicles almost completely submerged in floodwaters.

The airport will remain closed to flight activity until flooding and debris had been cleared.

The Broward County Sheriff’s Office was “inundated” with non-emergency 911 calls related to the weather, and warned motorists to stay off the roads.

“If you must travel outside and find yourself stranded, do not call 911. Call a tow truck company,” the sheriff’s office said.

A flash flood emergency was in effect in Fort Lauderdale until 2 a.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

Fort Lauderdale remained under a flood warning until noon Thursday and a flood watch until 8 p.m. Thursday.

On Thursday morning, the National Weather Service reported a preliminary total of 25.91 inches of rain in Fort Lauderdale over the previous 24 hours.

The agency warned that continued rain and thunderstorms could bring more flooding, strong winds, small hail and possible tornadoes.