Parts of Florida’s Atlantic coast received half a year of rain in 36 hours
Parts of Florida’s Atlantic coast received up to 28 inches of rain in 36 hours, roughly half a year’s worth, radar estimates showed. Flash flooding prompted Gov. Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency in seven counties; at least 17 polling locations moved across five counties. National Weather Service meteorologist William Ulrich said rainfall exceeded the threshold for a 1-in-1,000-year event.
More context
Parts of Florida’s Atlantic coast received about half a year’s worth of rain in roughly 36 hours from Sunday into Monday, triggering serious flooding. The Washington Post, citing radar estimates, reported up to 28 inches along parts of the Space Coast. The Tallahassee Democrat reported about 23.7 inches near Grant-Valkaria and nearly 20 inches in Palm Bay during the same period. National Weather Service meteorologist William Ulrich, based in Melbourne, said the downpour had a 0.1% chance of occurring in any given year. Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in seven counties along the Atlantic coast. NBC News reported at least 17 polling locations moved in five counties. Officials were making maximum canal discharges, while the South Florida Water Management District was setting up high-volume pumps to remove water from flooded communities.
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Reporting
- The Washington Post — Parts of Florida see half a year’s worth of rain in 36 hours - The Washington Post
- Tallahassee Democrat — Florida rainfall totals staggering as parts of state flooded
- NBC News — Floods and severe weather beset parts of the U.S. on Election Day
Verifier’s note
The Washington Post reports up to 28 inches—about half a year’s rain—in 36 hours, while the Tallahassee Democrat and NBC News independently report extreme rainfall, flooding, and emergency impacts in Florida. All were published on November 3, 2026, consistent with a current event.