Flooding halts Brightline trains between Orlando and West Palm Beach

Heavy rain across Florida’s central east coast and parts of its inland counties has inundated roads, prompted school closures in some counties and interrupted passenger rail service. Flooding in Brevard County has led Brightline to suspend trains between Orlando and West Palm Beach until 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Southern Brevard County received 16 to 22 inches of rain since midnight, according to the Nov. 2 report. Communities along the stretch from Melbourne south to Grant-Valkaria experienced flooding. More rainfall remains possible through Tuesday morning, raising the prospect that areas already under water could face worsening conditions before the weather begins to improve.

Brightline attributed the suspension to high water along its Brevard County rail corridor. The interruption affects the connection between Orlando and West Palm Beach, while trains farther south are continuing to run normally. That operating section connects West Palm Beach and Miami, with stops in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Aventura.

Before passengers can travel on the affected section again, crews will inspect the railway’s tracks, signals and crossings. Travelers are being encouraged to consult Brightline’s website and app for service updates as the suspension continues. The announced pause extends through Tuesday evening.

The forecast leaves room for further rain after the initial downpours. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible on both Tuesday and Wednesday, and some locations could receive another 1 to 2 inches. That additional rainfall could add to the flooding already affecting communities in the region.

A shift toward drier conditions is expected later in the week. Rain chances are forecast to decline beginning Thursday and remain lower through the weekend as drier air enters the area. Until then, the possibility of more showers remains part of the outlook.

Daytime temperatures are expected to stay in the low to mid-80s. Overnight readings will generally fall into the 60s and low 70s. A stronger cold front could approach Central Florida early next week and bring a further change in weather conditions.

Officials are continuing to advise residents to stay away from flooded roads and never attempt to drive through standing water. Information on the service disruption and weather conditions was provided by Brightline and the National Weather Service.