An unprecedented deluge of rain is causing air travel disruption in South Florida.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport will stay closed until at least noon.
More than 500 flights have been scrapped since yesterday afternoon.
Access roads to the airport are flooded and passengers have been told to stay away.
“We ask for your patience as we assess the impacts of this unprecedented rainfall to restore airport operations,” the airport said.
The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings for Fort Lauderdale as 26 inches of rain in the past two days.
“This is a life-threatening situation,” the NWS said late Wednesday.
It said further heavy rain is possible later on Thursday and could impact as far north as the Carolinas.
Accuweather said thunderstorms and winds are strengthening over parts of the Gulf coast.
