WEST PALM BEACH, FL — Flooding concerns escalated across South Florida on Sunday as the National Weather Service kept a Flood Watch in place for Palm Beach County through Monday afternoon and extended a Flash Flood Warning through 11:15 p.m. for parts of the county.
WPBF 25 First Warning Weather called Sunday and Monday “Impact Weather,” and meteorologist Nikki Sheaks said the region is dealing with excessive rainfall. Officials warned that more heavy rain could fall on already saturated ground, raising the risk of dangerous street flooding and water entering homes.
Palm Beach County sees water entering homes and flooded vehicles
In Palm Beach County, the Flash Flood Warning covered West Palm Beach, Wellington, Palm Beach Gardens, Royal Palm Beach, The Acreage, Loxahatchee Groves, North County Airport and Caloosa. The National Weather Service reported water entering homes near Northlake Boulevard and Florida’s Turnpike in Palm Beach Gardens.
Rain totals in that area were estimated at 6 to 8 inches, and the two entrances and exits at New Century Village near West Palm Beach were closed because vehicles were flooded. With road conditions deteriorating, the weather service urged drivers to avoid flooded streets and never try to drive through standing water.
Okeechobee County flooding spreads after warnings expire
Okeechobee County was also dealing with serious flooding after a Flash Flood Warning for the city of Okeechobee, Treasure Island, Taylor Creek, Four Seasons Estates, Okeechobee Airport, Whispering Pines and Basswood Estates expired at 6:30 p.m. A separate Flood Watch remained in effect for the county until Monday at 3 p.m.
The National Weather Service office in Melbourne said law enforcement reported thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Officials said between 3 and 6 inches of rain had already fallen, with additional rainfall still possible. Flash flooding was already happening in parts of the county.
SR 70 and US 441 reported impassable near Okeechobee
Law enforcement also reported that portions of SR 70 and US 441 in and around the City of Okeechobee were impassable. Motorists were told to stay off those roads as floodwater made travel unsafe and unpredictable.
Officials said water was also entering structures in the area, adding to the concern for homes and businesses already affected by the heavy rain. The warning was not just about nuisance flooding; it reflected active flooding that was disrupting travel and threatening property.
Weather outlook keeps rain chances high into Monday
The flood threat is not expected to disappear quickly. WPBF 25 News said rainfall totals will near 3 to 5 inches overall, with some locations possibly seeing close to 5 to 7 inches. Monday is expected to bring a 60% chance of scattered rain along with breezy conditions.
That means more showers could continue to fall on areas that are already waterlogged. With watches and warnings overlapping across parts of Palm Beach and Okeechobee counties, forecasters are warning that conditions can change quickly and that additional flooding remains possible.
Officials urge drivers to avoid floodwater and turn around
The National Weather Service reminded motorists that most flood deaths happen in vehicles and stressed the message to turn around, don’t drown. Drivers were advised to be aware of their surroundings and avoid any road covered by water, even if the flooding appears shallow.
Residents were also urged to treat the situation as dangerous and to stay alert for changing conditions through Monday. WPBF 25 News said viewers can follow updated radar coverage and share weather photos and videos through uLocal as the storm system continues to move through the area.