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Man with bike in floodwater
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Floods Overwhelm Some S. Fla. Homeowners

A weather system stalled and dumped 25-plus inches of rain in S. Fla. Realtor-family members can seek help through Florida Realtors Disaster Relief Fund.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – In Florida, “flood insurance” is often considered a safety buffer against hurricane strikes – but a stalled storm system over Fort Lauderdale shows that flood insurance does more than help clean up after a hurricane.

On Wednesday, parts of the city saw over 25.95 inches of rain with more expected Thursday. The deluge shut down Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, but nearby Dania Beach was hit almost as hard with 21.42 inches of water, according to AccuWeather.

Rising waters entered a number of properties, and FloodSmart.gov estimates that “just one inch of water can cause $25,000 of damage to your home.”

Realtors, their employees, local associations and staff impacted by a disaster can apply for help through Florida Realtors®’ Disaster Relief Fund (DRF). To apply online, visit the DRF page on floridarealtors.org.

It’s unclear how long it will take for the flood waters to recede.

“Stay off the roads until some of this water dissipates,” Fort Lauderdale Fire Chief Stephen Gollan warned. “There are cars getting stuck in flooded waters, just (adding) to the emergencies that are taking place.”

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