Heavy Rain Floods Sunrise Arena and Sawgrass Mills

On November 2, intense rain caused flooding around Amerant Bank Arena and Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise, leaving vehicles stalled or trapped in parking areas after the Florida Panthers played the Detroit Red Wings. Water outside the arena rose close to knee level as fans left. Some abandoned their cars because they could not judge the depth in the dark; others were unable to drive out. A man whose car stopped said he returned with a tow truck the next morning to retrieve it.

Aerial footage showed stranded vehicles at both sites, and a tow truck was seen stuck in a ditch while trying to help a car. Sunrise police closed some Sawgrass Mills entrances on Tuesday morning. About 8 inches of rain fell in some locations, while Sunrise recorded more than 18 inches over a 72-hour period.

Flooding also covered streets in Plantation Acres, where residents navigated water that reached the lower parts of cars. Resident Kathleen Fanjul said neighbors and police watched her vehicle while she left for work. Another resident, Michelle White, urged motorists to avoid flooded roads, and limousine driver Vandral Meyers warned that water can damage a vehicle’s underside.

The rain led Brightline to suspend service between West Palm Beach and Orlando and prompted changes to some Tuesday polling locations. More showers and possible flooding were expected across South Florida on Tuesday. Motorists with flooded cars were advised to have them checked by a mechanic before trying to start them, because water in the cylinders can cause severe engine damage.