Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lee County under a flood advisory as rains swamp area's roads

The National Weather Service issued a flood advisory for Lee County Sunday afternoon, alerting residents to expect minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.

Radar showed bands of rain and thunderstorms passing through the area and some Fort Myers roads were flooded with knee-deep water.

Video by The News-Press and Naples Daily News Reporter Amy Bennett Williams showed street flooding on Palm Beach Boulevard near Terry Park in Fort Myers; Fowler Street and spots along U.S. 41 in the city were also flooded.

Several cars were flooded along Embers Parkway near Burnt Store Road in northwest Cape Coral. Reporter Hannah Holmes captured this video of the floodwaters:

Where is flooding expected in Fort Myers, Lee County, Florida?

The advisory came at 2:19 p.m. and the weather service said it would be in effect until 4:15 p.m.

A flood advisory is issued when conditional aren't expected to be bad enough to warrant a warning. It means "be aware," however, "it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property."

The weather service said that 2.5 to 3 inches had fallen and that 1 to 2 more inches were expected.

Fort Myers, Buckingham, East Dunbar, Olga, Palmona Park, Lochmoor Waterway Estates, Pine Manor, Villas, McGregor, Tice, Fort Myers Shores, North Fort Myers, Suncoast Estates, Gateway, Page Field Airport, Page Park and Whiskey Creek were warned that their area's could flood Sunday afternoon.

Don't drive through flooded streets

It's always best to wait it out and don't drive through flooded streets. A little flood water can ruin your car; a lot can be dangerous.

The Cape Coral Fire Department has previously warned:

• "Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
• "A foot of water will float many vehicles.
• "Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV’s) and pick-ups."

Most flood deaths occur in vehicles, NWS says.