Torrential rain transformed the streets of Boca Raton into rivers, leaving behind a scene of stranded vehicles, clogged storm drains, and a city in urgent need of recovery ahead of incoming storms. On Sunday night, parts of southern Palm Beach County experienced heavy rainfall totaling between 5 to 7 inches, with isolated regions surpassing these amounts within just a few hours. Meteorologists with CBS12 Stormtrac noted this deluge set new daily rainfall records for October 26, with West Palm Beach recording 2.37 inches and Vero Beach seeing 3.77 inches, both surpassing previous highs.
Boca Raton city officials reported that emergency crews worked tirelessly through the night and into Monday morning to assess the damage from what has been described as an “unprecedented weather event.” Eyewitness videos shared by residents highlighted the flooding, including in The Boca Raton lobby and surrounding streets in East Boca.
Local residents expressed the severity of the storm. “The rain last night was just so heavy and the storm was so scary; it’s Mother Nature,” shared Geri Bell, a Boca Raton resident. Many described the experience as shocking, with flooding in places that are typically not affected. Jordan Noel, a technician at Autobahn Auto Center, mentioned that in his workspace, water levels reached five inches, causing significant disruption to their operations.
The situation extended to major roadways, with vehicles left stranded in floodwater. “There must have been five or ten cars right in this little area that got stranded,” Bell observed. The first floor of her apartment complex also flooded, a recurring issue that residents hope will lead to improvements in drainage and infrastructure. “It’d be nice if the city took care of this little intersection here, elevate it somehow, fix the drainage because it is a chronic issue in this particular section,” Bell added.
Despite the unusually high water levels, city officials reported that previous investments in infrastructure had helped water levels recede significantly by Monday morning, allowing major roadways to be cleared promptly. Cleanup efforts are ongoing, with crews clearing debris from roads and storm drains while Boca Raton Police worked to remove multiple abandoned vehicles from the flooded roadways. Residents have been urged to contact towing services to locate their vehicles, as operations are currently dealing with backlogs.
As the forecast predicts additional rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon, Boca Raton officials are cautioning residents to remain vigilant. They advise against driving through flooded areas, emphasizing safety with the message: “Turn around, don’t drown.” Residents are also encouraged to report clogged storm drains and to call the police’s non-emergency line if their vehicle becomes stranded.
City officials continue to monitor the situation as they provide ongoing updates, reflecting a community that is actively engaged in both recovery and preparedness. With united efforts and foresight, Boca Raton aims to navigate the challenges posed by nature and enhance infrastructure for the future.