Two dead, hundreds rescued amid severe flooding in Palm Bay, Florida

Two people have been killed and hundreds of others rescued amid severe flooding in the city of Palm Bay in the US state of Florida. Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina described the devastation in the city at a press conference on Tuesday.

Florida officials have identified the two victims as Joshua Bennett, 34, and Archie Richards, 78. One of the victims died in a vehicle. The deaths came as a storm that began on Sunday brought severe flooding.

Medina said emergency crews rescued hundreds of people from flooded areas using boats and special high-water vehicles.

Some homes suffered major damage. The mayor told reporters that one family reported 38 inches of water had filled their living room. “That is devastation within our city,” Medina said.

Officials warned that flooding could continue even after the rain stops because water may take several days to drain. They urged residents to stay away from flooded roads, fast-moving water and downed power lines.

Flooding has also affected other parts of Florida, including St. Lucie, Martin and Palm Beach counties. State officials said they are working with local leaders to determine how much damage the storm caused.

A low-pressure system over the Gulf led to continuous onshore flow over the Florida peninsula on Sunday and Monday. Up to two feet of rain fell in southern Brevard County on Sunday and Monday, leading to catastrophic flooding of streets, homes and businesses.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said it rescued more than 60 people in Brevard County on Monday.

Officials said area schools have been closed and polling stations have been relocated.

Persistent onshore flow will keep scattered showers along Florida’s east coast on Tuesday, with additional rainfall of one to two inches, and locally three to five inches or more, possible, according to the forecast in the material.

Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins visited Palm Bay to see the damage and meet families affected by the flooding. He thanked first responders and residents who helped their neighbours. “This is heartbreaking. When you talk to citizens who literally just moved here, from Louisiana, got set up, got settled — everything they own is wrecked. It’s a huge loss,” Collins said.