Wettest day in history of Vero Beach, Florida
Severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rainfall swept through Vero Beach, Florida on May 17, 2016. The day was recorded as the wettest day in the history of the city, as two months worth of rainfall was received in one day. The widespread flooding was also accompanied by a tornado.
The storm lashed the Vero Beach city with 285 mm (11.22 inches) of precipitation, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Melbourne. Record-breaking rainfall flooded numerous neighborhoods and streets, and some areas reported over 0.3 m (1 foot) of water, producing dangerous driving conditions. On the same day, Fort Pierce received 250 mm (9.85 inches).
Video credit: Breaking Disaster
The intense storm has produced a possible tornado and damaged 20 homes, numerous cars and toppled trees across the affected areas. Towing companies reported pulling out 15 cars on the day.
A 96-year old resident reported severe damage to her home, as the storm bored holes in her roof, allowing the rain to thoroughly soak her home on Fort Pierce Boulevard.
Video credit: Happy Land Travels
Video credit: CBS Miami
The NWS put in effect a flood warning for Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin and Okeechobee counties through the night of May 18 (local time).
Featured image: Flood in Vera Beach, Florida, May 18, 2016. Image credit: CBS Miami
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