Historic flooding, intense lightning hit Pensacola, Florida

Wednesday, April 30, 2014, 10:06 AM -

Severe storms continue to wallop the U.S., including in Pensacola, Florida where historic flooding has swamped the region.

In Escambia County, officials issued a state of emergency after over 200 mm of rain fell.

RELENTLESS STORMS: U.S. in 'life saving mode'

Rescue crews scrambled to reach stranded motorists and a search was underway for a missing driver who had called for emergency help Tuesday.

An emergency management official asked drivers to stay off the roads for the next 24 hours.

The Florida Highway Patrol reported at least one weather-related drowning.

County schools were closed early Wednesday as well as Interstate 10 and Highway 29.

In addition to the heavy rain and catastrophic flooding, intense lightning also lit up the sky Tuesday night.

Nine thousand strikes were recorded in just 15 minutes.

The storm system also hit Alabama overnight and a flash flood warning remained in effect Wednesday morning.

At least 35 people have died in storms and tornadoes since Sunday from Oklahoma to North Carolina.

LIGHTNING SAFETY: Indoor and outdoor lightning safety tips

DID YOU KNOW: Maps on theweathernetwork.com now include a 'lightning' layer that show strikes in your area with number of strikes and the time. Check your city page and select the 'lightning' layer on your maps to view this feature.