South Florida under flood watch as tropical storm may form. Here’s how cities are prepping
South Florida is in for heavy rains and possibly dangerous flooding, forecasters warn, as a tropical depression moving closer to the state may strengthen into a tropical storm soon.
Much of Florida’s west coast is under a hurricane watch, storm surge watch, tropical storm warning or tropical storm watch.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for parts of South Florida including Miami-Dade and Broward counties until Sunday. The forecast predicts an incoming two to five inches of rain. Some areas could see up to eight inches.
That much rain could cause local flash flooding, forecasters said.
On Thursday evening, Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for most of the counties in the state. South Florida wasn’t included.
In preparation, several cities across South Florida have opened garages, are distributing sandbags and are setting up water-draining pumps.
Miami-Dade County
Miami Beach
Miami Beach deployed its stormwater team to ensure its drain system, including pumps, are clean and ready for this weekend’s expected heavy rainfall, according to Melissa Berthier, a city spokeswoman.
Five Vactor trucks are driving around the city, working to get rid of standing water and clean stormwater structures. The city is also bulking up its pump stations too, she said.
The city, which has 48 pump stations, has sent nine temporary pumps to areas known to have severe flooding, and has generators and four other temporary pumps ready to be deployed if needed.
Miami Beach will also offer free parking for residents and employees in the case of heavy flooding starting at 6 p.m. Friday through Monday at 10 a.m. They must show proof of residency or employment when they exit the garage. Non-residents and employees can park at the garages but will have to pay full price.
Available Parking Garages:
▪ 200 7th St.
▪ 512 12th St.
▪ 1301 Collins Ave.
▪ 1557 Washington Ave.
▪ 640 17th St.
▪ 1661 Pennsylvania Ave.
▪ 1900 Bay Road
▪ 340 23rd St.
▪ 400 West 42nd St.
If the National Weather Service issues a flash flood warning or Flash Flood Emergency for Miami Beach, Tremont Towing and Beach Towing will offer a $50 towing service for any Miami Beach resident whose vehicle was impacted by flooding to any location within city limits. Residents must provide proof of residency and their vehicle registration address must match their driver’s license.
City of Miami
The City of Miami also has Vactor trucks driving around this week cleaning catch basins from debris as the city prepares for the weekend’s deluge. Temporary pumps are in place to keep water flowing and reduce flooding.
“Because of the last storm, we have added additional temporary pumps to those areas that have a tendency to flood,” Miami spokeswoman Kenia Fallat said. “We suggest drivers to stay out of areas where water tends to be on the rise to further avoid from vehicles becoming disabled.”
Broward
Fort Lauderdale
Given the National Weather Service’s rainfall predictions, Fort Lauderdale said its stormwater system will manage the coming rain.
Regardless, the city said it has Vactor trucks, portable pumps and a tanker truck at the ready in case additional resources are needed.
Sandbags will also be made available for self-service at Floyd Hull Stadium, 2800 SW Eighth Ave., and Mills Pond Park, 2201 NW Ninth Ave., every day during hurricane season from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
On Saturday, city employees will be at both locations to help from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Proof of residency is required to receive sandbags, with a limit of five bags per car.
Hollywood
Hollywood said it has spent the last week preparing for the coming storm system by cleaning debris from storm drains. Hollywood has 10 permanent and 22 portable pumps deployed.
The city will be giving out sandbags, up to 10 per resident household, at three parks:
▪ Jefferson Park, 1501 Jefferson St.
▪ Rotary Park, 3150 Taft St.
▪ Driftwood Community Center, 3000 N. 69th Ave.
In the event of flooding Saturday, the city said residents could park their cars on a first-come, first-served basis in two of its garages: Van Buren Garage, 251 S. 20th Ave., and Radius Garage, 251 N. 19th Ave. Cars must be moved by 8:00 p.m. on Sunday to avoid parking rate fees.
