Aon, a professional services firm providing risk, retirement, and health solutions, has released a weekly catastrophe report showing that since June 11, Southern Florida has faced substantial financial losses due to prolonged and excessive rainfall and severe convective storms (SCS).
This has led to significant flash flooding and expected economic and insured losses exceeding hundreds of millions of USD; these losses could rise further as the situation continues to unfold.
The urban corridor stretching from Miami to Fort Lauderdale has been particularly affected, with floodwaters submerging numerous homes, vehicles, and roadways.
Southern Florida has also experienced torrential rainfall following persistent drought conditions. A convergence of moisture from the Caribbean Sea along a stationary front triggered heavy downpours across the southern half of the state.
A slow-moving tropical low-pressure system intensified storm development, prompting flood alerts for over 8 million residents. Broward, Miami-Dade, and Sarasota counties recorded over 1 foot of rainfall, with flash flood emergencies declared in urban areas.
Additionally, scattered severe weather affected parts of the central and southern United States from June 6 to 12, including strong storms with wind gusts over 60 mph and hail up to 2.5 inches in diameter in states such as Colorado, Texas, and South Carolina. Further severe weather from June 12 to 13 impacted areas from Minnesota to Michigan, causing significant damage.
The urban coastal regions of southern Florida declared a state of emergency due to severe flooding, affecting cities like Miami and Sarasota.
The event resulted in hundreds of flight delays or cancellations, the towing of over 300 flooded vehicles, and the rescue of approximately 70 people from floodwaters.