Key West swamped by intense rain, shattering 83-year-old record as Florida prepares for more downpours
Key West recorded 3.64 inches of rain, shattering the record of 2.5 inches set back in 1943.
Watch: Duval Street In Key West Floods During Intense Downpours
Duval Street in Key West turned into a river Thursday, Oct. 2026, as torrential downpours soaked South Florida. Key West broke a daily rain record that had stood since 1943.
KEY WEST, Fla. — The skies opened up over Key West, Florida, on Thursday as heavy rain triggered widespread flash flooding. Key West recorded 3.64 inches of rain, shattering the record of 2.5 inches set back in 1943.
A video posted to social media showed floodwaters completely inundating Duval Street, Key West’s main tourist and entertainment strip.
The Key West Police Department said water was standing on many streets and warned drivers not to create wakes that could push more water into nearby properties.
Rain prevented crews from fixing a malfunctioning traffic light and a tree toppled onto a car, taking down power lines.
OCTOBER OUTLOOK: SUMMER TRIES TO HOLD ON WITH EL NIÑO IMPACTS EXPECTED TO MAKE A SPOOKY APPEARANCE
Heavy rain pelted other parts of Southern Florida, including Boca Raton.
Watch: Boca Raton, Florida Blasted By Torrential Downpours
Boca Raton, Florida, was slammed by heavy downpours on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.
An extended stretch of downpours is expected across much of the state next week as a front stalls over Florida through next Thursday.
Parts of Florida could see up to 8 inches of rain all told.