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Art Basel Visitors Go Through Options Amid Flooding, Traffic

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) --  After rain flooded Art Basel Thursday night, art aficionados took to the streets Friday hoping for better weather and less traffic.

Malka Goldstayn, an Art Basel visitor unfortunately didn't find either.

Art Basel 2015: The Guide 

"I'm coming from Pembroke (Pines) and it took me two hours because of the traffic jam.  It's incredible," she said.

Some took the gamble to walk under dark skies to attempt to avoid traffic.

One man dialed up Uber to find rates were 3.6 times and climbing as demand went up.

"It's Uber X so it's a $13 minimum," he said.

With inclement weather looming, many decided it was time to take rides.

"Normally, we would walk from place to place but with the rain, it's a little bit harder but we are still in Miami.  It's better than New York right now," said Art Basel visitor Sheila Lambert.

Drivers are happy to have the business.

"It's pretty busy every single day. We drive all day long. We kinda make money," driver Danilo Tavares said.

Mother Nature ruined a lot of outdoor parties and plans.

The Miami Beach Loew's outdoor exhibit was rained out.  A live painting exhibit with artist Jeremy Penn moved indoors.

Linda Villafane, Director of Public Relations for the Loews Miami Beach, said they had to roll out their plan B.

"Great weather is always welcome. We do plan things outside this time but, like any other time of year, it's unpredictable living in paradise sometimes." Villafane said.

At Suite 1521, a pop up shop for Basel, Lizzie Tisch admitted she did a little rain dance on Thursday.

"Rain brings in the shoppers,"Tisch laughed.

The weather may be slowing down shoppers but not the shopping.

If you are bold enough to brave the elements, traffic, and parking to experience art just remember you could be Rick Pile. He's corralling 90 Clearwater High School students through the art fair this weekend. The rain isn't slowing them down.

"No. I wish they would. It would be a little easier to manage them,"Pile said as he laughed.

Most art fairs are housed in large tents so there will still be plenty to see throughout the weekend.  It's the getting there that may prove challenging.  Traffic is already bad. Add rain to the mix and it could be ugly.

Click here to read more about Art Basel.

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