At 5 am Thursday morning, Hurricane Ian was downgraded to a tropical storm as an incredible amount of rain falls over Central Florida that is expected to cause widespread flash flooding.

As much of Central Florida remains under flash flood warnings, residents in some counties are advised to shelter in place.

Chief Lauraleigh Avery, emergency manager for the Orange County Government’s Office of Emergency Management, reported that they are expecting 12 to 30 inches of rain.

In Kissimmee, Florida, torrential downpours caused the roadways to flood, and airboats were used to help rescue those stuck in stranded vehicles along the flooded streets because emergency vehicles could not make it through the deep water.

Military vehicles were also seen driving through the flooded roads, bringing stranded civilians to safe, dry land.

Military vehicle rescuing stranded civilians in Kissimmee, Florida

Orlando experienced major flooding as well, causing roads to become rivers. One video shows a Universal Studios hotel completely surrounded by deep water, while another shows that downtown Orlando is underwater after Lake Eola flooded into the streets.

Join The Conversation. Leave a Comment.


We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.