Flash flood emergency declared in parts of Florida's Brevard County
Road flooding is widespread in the county's south, and schools in Brevard County were closed on Monday.
The National Weather Service declared a flash flood emergency on Monday for parts of central Florida's Brevard County, Turkey's state-run news agency Anadolu Agency reported.
The weather service's Melbourne office said 15 to 20 inches (38.1 to 50.8 centimeters) of rain had fallen across the affected area by 11:35 a.m. local time, and a further 2 to 4 inches (5.08 to 10.16 centimeters) remained possible.
The emergency covers West Melbourne and Palm Bay, and the alert warned that the flooding posed a threat to life, telling residents to move to higher ground without delay.
Brevard County authorities reported widespread road flooding, mainly in the southern part of the county, and asked residents to stay home if they could and avoid driving through flooded roads.
Brevard Public Schools cancelled classes on Monday because of the heavy rain and flooding, the Florida Department of Education said.
Flood watches and flash flood warnings also covered parts of central and southern Florida, and local officials urged residents to keep checking weather updates and follow emergency instructions.
The weather service's offices in Melbourne, Miami and Key West advised residents to stay alert as conditions change and to follow the guidance of local authorities.
The agency warned people not to walk or drive through floodwater, noting that most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.
Flash flood emergencies are among the most serious alerts the National Weather Service issues, signaling a threat to life and property that requires immediate action.