FORT LAUDERDALE — As South Florida expects periods of heavy rain on Sunday and Hurricane Milton strengthens, some areas are already seeing flooding and taking the necessary precautions to prepare.
Local states of emergency
Across South Florida, some cities have begun to declare states of emergency ahead of the heavy rain and Milton.
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez declared a state of emergency for the city due to the potential effects of Hurricane Milton.
The Mayor of the City of Miami, Francis X. Suarez, has officially declared a state of emergency in the City of Miami due to the potential effects of Hurricane Milton.@MiamiMayor pic.twitter.com/XvVhK9OY4R
— City of Miami (@CityofMiami) October 6, 2024
The City of Hollywood declared a state of emergency ahead of Sunday’s conditions and people are bracing for severe weather.
Declaration of State of Emergency – Tropical Storm Milton
Pursuant to Chapter 252, Florida Statues, and Section 1.01 of…
Posted by City of Hollywood, Florida Government on Saturday, October 5, 2024
Hollywood also announced that parking fees will be waived in city-operated parking garages starting at 8 a.m. Sunday on a first-come, first-served basis. These are the following garages open to assist residents:
- Garfield Garage, 300 Connecticut St.
- Nebraska Garage, 327 Nebraska St.
- Van Buren Garage, 251 S. 20th Ave.
- Radius Garage, 251 N. 19th Ave.
There will also be a free sandbag distribution event for Hollywood residents on a first-come, first-served basis at the following locations:
- Jefferson Park, 1501 Jefferson St.
- Rotary Park, 3150 Taft St.
- Driftwood Community Center, 3000 N. 69th Ave.
The City of Miami Gardens has also declared a state of emergency and announced a sandbag distribution event at City Hall for Sunday between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. while supplies last.
A Local State of Emergency has been declared in the City of Miami Gardens in anticipation of potential storm impacts associated with Tropical Storm Milton. Residents may pick up sandbags on Sunday, October 6, 2024, between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m., while supplies last. Stay Safe! pic.twitter.com/zYnDUJBYbx
— City of Miami Gardens (@CityofMiaGarden) October 6, 2024
The City of Hallandale Beach was the third municipality to declare a state of emergency on Saturday evening, urging its residents and businesses to take “immediate precautions.”
The City of Hallandale Beach has officially declared a State of Emergency in preparation for Tropical Storm Milton. We urge all residents and businesses to take immediate precautions and sign up for notifications at pic.twitter.com/WdedYwfEvh
— Hallandale Beach (@MYHBeach) October 6, 2024
North Lauderdale held a DIY sandbag giveaway event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday for all of its residents that were free of charge. There is a six-bag limit per person and they can be obtained at Pompano Park at 4001 Bailey Rd.
Fort Lauderdale has sandbag distribution events from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday and Monday at three locations:
- Floyd Hull Stadium, 2800 SW 8th Ave.
- Mills Pond Park, 2201 NW 9th Ave.
- Shirley Small Park, 1230 SW 34th Ave.
North Miami Beach had a sandbag distribution event from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at 1965 NE 151st., limiting four per household.
The City of North Miami will have a sandbag distribution event on Monday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following location:
- North Miami Motor Poul, 1855 NE 142nd St.
North Miami is only allowing residents six bags per household.
The City of South Miami is distributing sandbags for Hurricane Milton from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday at the Public Works Yard at 4795 SW 75th Ave.
Oakland Park held a sandbag distribution event on Sunday until 4 p.m. at the Public Works Facility at 3801 NE 5th Ave.
Miami Beach has not yet declared a state of emergency but shared on X that residents and local business employees can park in most public garages at no cost starting 11 a.m. Sunday until tentatively 8 a.m. Thursday.
A Flood Watch will be in effect for Miami Beach from 11 a.m. on Sunday, October 6 through the morning of Thursday, October 10.
Residents and employees of Miami Beach businesses can park vehicles in most public garages at no cost starting on Sunday, October 6 at 11 a.m. until… pic.twitter.com/x3hCnT2EEV
— City of Miami Beach (@MiamiBeachNews) October 6, 2024
The City of Miami Beach will also hold two free sandbag distribution events from 8 a.m. to 2 p.,m. at the following locations:
- 2100 Collins Ave.
- 225 79th St.
Pembroke Pines has sandbag distribution events from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday and Monday at 8300 W. Cypress Dr., limiting to five bags per household.
Opa-Locka will also distribute sandbags between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday at the Public Works and Utilities Department at 12950 NW 42nd Ave. while supplies last.
South Florida hosts sandbag distribution events ahead of heavy rain and Tropical Storm Milton
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Residents prepare for the worst
With more rain and Milton heading toward Florida, people are nervous.
On Saturday morning, CBS News Miami saw Hollywood residents waking up to floodwaters and trying to navigate through it. Hollywood Police announced street closures due to the weather, mainly in the area of Sheridan Street.
With morning rain causing the flooding, residents are worried about the coming days.
“I live completely on the other end and I tried in that way and I couldn’t, so I’m hoping it dissipates so I can at least get home,” said Debbie Andersen.
“I already got all my stuff ready to go,” added Michael Sloan. “I got sandbags in a little wagon ready — waiting to be pulled in the place. I got my wall units already, [and] screws put in place. So, all I got to do is put them up and I’m sealed.”
The police is urging people driving in these conditions to slow down, stay focused and increase the distance between themselves and the car in front of them.
🚨 **Weather Alert: Stay Safe, Hollywood!** 🌧️
We’re expecting some heavy rain in the coming days. Please be extra…
Posted by Hollywood Police Department on Saturday, October 5, 2024
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CBS Miami Team
What emergency measures are being implemented in South Florida due to Tropical Storm Milton?
Nd high winds expected due to Tropical Storm Milton, residents across South Florida are taking precautions as local governments implement emergency measures. Here’s a summary of the actions being taken:
State of Emergency Declarations:
- Miami Gardens: Local authorities have declared a state of emergency and are providing sandbags at City Hall on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., as long as supplies last.
- City of Hollywood: A state of emergency was declared, and city-operated parking garages will waive fees starting at 8 a.m. on Sunday. A free sandbag distribution will also take place.
- Hallandale Beach: The city officials have urged residents to take immediate precautions and have officially declared a state of emergency.
- Miami: The City of Miami has similarly announced that residents are urged to prepare for severe weather.
Sandbag Distribution Events:
- Hollywood: Sandbags available at specific parks starting Sunday.
- North Lauderdale: A DIY sandbag giveaway event with a six-bag limit per resident.
- Fort Lauderdale: Distribution events at three local parks on Sunday and Monday.
- North Miami Beach: Offering four sandbags per household on Sunday.
- Miami Beach: Two free sandbag distribution events scheduled for Sunday.
- Pembroke Pines: Limits to five sandbags per household with distribution on both Sunday and Monday.
- Opa-Locka: Sandbag distribution on Monday and Tuesday at the Public Works department.
Other Measures:
- Parking: Miami Beach allows free parking in public garages for residents and business employees starting Sunday at 11 a.m. until further notice.
- Watch Alerts: Flood watches are in effect, and residents are being reminded to stay informed and take precautions.
Residents are advised to stay tuned to local news and official city announcements for updates as conditions may change with the storm’s progression. It’s essential to prepare for potential flooding and high winds as Tropical Storm Milton approaches the region.
What are the sandbag distribution limits and times for residents in Miami-Dade County during Tropical Storm Milton?
On Sunday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Hollywood Public Works facility, with a limit of 10 bags per vehicle.
Residents have been urged to prepare for potential flooding and heavy rain from Tropical Storm Milton. Local authorities recommend securing property and staying tuned to updates regarding road conditions and safety measures. The increased severity of rainfall has already led to street closures, particularly in Hollywood. As the storm approaches, Miami Beach has declared a Flood Watch from 11 a.m. on Sunday through Thursday morning, reminding residents about no-cost parking available in public garages. the communities in South Florida are rallying together through proactive measures to ensure the safety and readiness of their residents as Tropical Storm Milton approaches.Sandbag Distribution Events:
Resident Preparedness:
