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Final Storm Update Regarding Milton

Post Date:October 04, 2024 8:46 PM

Storm Update_w901px

Final Storm Update: Thursday, October 10

City Office Reopening 

City administrative offices will reopen for normal operations tomorrow morning, Friday, October 11.

Forecast

No major rainfall is expected; only light rain is forecasted through Saturday. There are no current flooding concerns in the city.

King Tides 

King Tides are expected to begin on October 14. Please stay prepared for higher-than-normal tides during this period.

City Services 

Trash and Bulk Pickup: Both services are operating as normal today and will continue on their regular schedule.

Sandbag Distribution

No sandbag distribution will take place today.

Crews have distributed 24,000 sandbags since Saturday (excluding self-service). We encourage residents to save their sandbags for the next potential weather event.

Bridge Operations 

Crews are currently in the process of unlocking bridges for marine traffic. This operation is expected to take several hours to complete.

MicroMover Service 

Circuit MicroMover service will resume operation by noon today.

This will be our final update regarding the storm. We sincerely thank all of our residents for their patience and cooperation throughout this weather event. Stay safe and take care!

Storm Update: Wednesday, October 9, 4:00 p.m.

City Office Closures 

City administrative offices are now closed and will reopen on Friday, October 11, for normal operations.

Weather Conditions 

There are no significant changes in the forecast for Fort Lauderdale. Winds are expected to continue increasing into tonight and tomorrow. The City remains under a Tropical Storm Warning and a Tornado Watch.

Transportation Updates

-The LauderGO Community Shuttle Program continues to operate as normal.

- MicroMover Service is suspended until Friday.

- Water Trolley Service remains suspended until Friday.

Sandbag Distribution

Staff is on hand to assist with sandbags until 6:00 p.m. at the following locations unless and until the weather situation deteriorates: 

  • Floyd Hull Stadium (2800 SW 8th Ave) 
  • Mills Pond Park (2201 NW 9th Ave) 
  • Shirley Small Park (1230 SW 34th Ave) 

No sandbags will be distributed tomorrow, Thursday, October 10.

Trash Pickup

Trash pickup is expected to operate as normal tomorrow. We encourage residents to bring trash carts in overnight to prevent high winds from creating hazardous conditions.

Beach Conditions

Lifeguard towers have raised red flags along the beach, indicating dangerous water conditions. We strongly discourage anyone from visiting the beach until the storm threat has passed.

Customer Service

For any concerns, residents can contact the City's Customer Service line at 954-828-8000, report online at fortlauderdale.gov/fixitftl, or use the FixItFTL app.

Storm Update: Wednesday, October 9, 11 a.m.

City Office Closures 

City administrative offices will close at noon today and will reopen for normal operations on Friday, October 11.

Weather Conditions 

The City remains under a Tropical Storm Warning. The Flood Watch for our area has been cancelled, but a Tornado Watch has been issued until 9 p.m. tonight.

Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall tonight as a Category 4 storm on the west coast of Florida.

Tropical storm-force winds are expected in Broward from 8 p.m. tonight through 2 p.m. Thursday with sustained winds between 25-35 mph and gusts up to 40-50 mph.

1-3 inches of rain is expected through Thursday morning.

Peak tide is expected at 1:30 p.m. today. Areas impacted by high tides may see standing water on roadways. Pumping operations are not effective for tidal inundation and the water should recede as the tide goes out.

City Response & Resources 

14 temporary pumps are in place. 4 city vactor trucks and 4 contractor vactor trucks are actively working to clear roadways and assist with drainage with the goal of keeping the roadways clear.

Trash Collection 

Trash routes are operating as normal today. Additional trucks are on the road, with the goal of completing all trash pickup by 4 p.m. Please monitor the city's storm page for any potential changes to the trash collection schedule on Thursday. We encourage all residents not to place bulk trash at the curb ahead of the storm as it can become hazardous in high winds.

Transit Updates 

- Broward County Transit is operating as normal today.

- The LauderGO Community Shuttle and Circuit MicroMover services are also running on schedule.

Marine Traffic

The 11th Street Swing Bridge will lock down at 5 p.m. today.

State bridges are locked down until the storm passes. This includes:

- SE 17th Street

- Las Olas Boulevard

- Sunrise Boulevard

- Oakland Boulevard

- Commercial Boulevard

- Davie Boulevard

Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) has locked down the New River Crossing (NRC) bridge.

Sandbag Distribution

Staff is on hand to assist with sandbags from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the following locations unless and until the weather situation deteriorates: 

  • Floyd Hull Stadium (2800 SW 8th Ave) 
  • Mills Pond Park (2201 NW 9th Ave) 
  • Shirley Small Park (1230 SW 34th Ave) 

Crews have distributed 17,200 sandbags since Saturday, not including self-service bags. We encourage residents to hold onto these sandbags for the remainder of the hurricane season. Please store them in a cool, dry place ensuring exits remain clear.

Customer Service

For any concerns, residents can contact the City's Customer Service line at 954-828-8000, report online at fortlauderdale.gov/fixitftl, or use the FixItFTL app.

Storm Update: Tuesday, October 8, 4:15 p.m.

City Office Closures 

City administrative offices will close at noon tomorrow, Wednesday, October 9, and remain closed all day Thursday, October 10. Offices will reopen on Friday, October 11.

Current Weather Conditions 

There has been little change in the forecast since our last update. The City remains under a Tropical Storm Warning and a Flood Watch.

We’ve received 0.25 inches of rain so far today. The recent break in rainfall has allowed the groundwater table to lower slightly, providing additional drainage capacity for the coming rainfall.

City Response & Resources 

Crews remain on the ground to manage storm impacts and ensure roadways remain passable.

7 vactor trucks and 14 temporary pumps are in place to assist with clearing water from streets as needed.

Sandbag Distribution 

Staff will be on hand to provide sandbags from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow, unless and until weather conditions prevent service, at the following locations:

  • Floyd Hull Stadium (2800 SW 8th Ave) 
  • Mills Pond Park (2201 NW 9th Ave) 
  • Shirley Small Park (1230 SW 34th Ave) 

Bridge Lockdowns 

Starting at 11 p.m. tonight, county bridges will begin locking down, with all bridges expected to be fully locked by 1 a.m. These bridges include:

- SW 3rd Avenue

- SW 4th / SW 7th Avenue

- Andrews Avenue 

Additionally, the 11th Avenue Swing Bridge will also be locked down at 5 p.m. tomorrow.

Starting at 12 p.m. today, FDOT locked down state bridges until the storm passes. This includes:

- SE 17th Street

- Las Olas Boulevard

- Sunrise Boulevard

- Oakland Boulevard

- Commercial Boulevard

- Davie Boulevard

Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) will lock down the New River Crossing (NRC) bridge tomorrow at 10am.

Customer Service

For any concerns, residents can contact the City's Customer Service line at 954-828-8000, report online at fortlauderdale.gov/fixitftl, or use the FixItFTL app.

Storm Update: Tuesday, October 8, 11 a.m.

City Emergency Management and staff are actively monitoring conditions as a Hurricane Milton approaches Florida. City offices remain open, and all services are operating as normal.

Tropical Storm Warning & Flood Watch

The City is under a Tropical Storm Warning and a Flood Watch through Thursday. Expect tropical storm-force winds, rainfall, and potential localized flooding. Tornadoes are also possible.

Winds: Beginning late Wednesday into Thursday, sustained winds of 25-35 mph, with gusts between 40-50 mph.

Rainfall: 2-4 inches are expected through Thursday, but isolated areas could see higher totals.

City Response & Resources

Crews are deployed across the city to assist in clearing roadways and keeping them passable. Key resources include:

- 7 vactor trucks operational

- 14 temporary pumps are in place

Peak tide is expected at 12:30 p.m. today. High-tide areas should anticipate standing water, as pumping operations are ineffective against tidal flooding. However, the water will recede as the tide lowers.

Safety Reminders

- Turn around, don’t drown! Do not drive through high water. Drive slowly to avoid creating a wake, which can push water into homes.

- Trash collection: Services are operating as normal. However, we recommend holding off on placing bulk trash at the curb, as strong winds can turn debris into hazards.

Sandbag Operations

Staff is on hand to assist with sandbags from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the following locations Tuesday (while supplies last): 

  • Floyd Hull Stadium (2800 SW 8th Ave) 
  • Mills Pond Park (2201 NW 9th Ave) 
  • Shirley Small Park (1230 SW 34th Ave) 

FDOT Bridge Lockdown

Starting at 12 p.m. today, FDOT will lock down state bridges until the storm passes. This includes:

- SE 17th Street

- Las Olas Boulevard

- Sunrise Boulevard

- Oakland Boulevard

- Commercial Boulevard

- Davie Boulevard

Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) will lock down the New River Crossing (NRC) bridge tomorrow at 10am.

Broward County Schools & Programs

With Broward County Schools closed on Wednesday and Thursday, after-school programs are also canceled.

Customer Service

For any concerns, residents can contact the City's Customer Service line at 954-828-8000, report online at fortlauderdale.gov/fixitftl, or use the FixItFTL app.

STORM UPDATE: MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 4:00 P.M.

CURRENT WEATHER CONDITIONS 

A flood watch is in effect until Thursday, and total rainfall could reach up to 11-13 inches by then. Tropical Storm force winds are anticipated to arrive as early as Wednesday morning and continue throughout the day.

RAINFALL UPDATE 

Since Saturday, Fort Lauderdale has received approximately 6-7.5 inches of rain. The forecast predicts up to two additional inches of rain each day through the coming days.

CITY RESPONSE AND RESOURCES 

City staff is actively assessing neighborhoods across Fort Lauderdale. Vactor trucks and portable pumps are being deployed as needed, and additional contractors are on standby to support response efforts. 

- 4 City vactor trucks will be in operation Tuesday
- 14 temporary pumps are in operation
- Additional contractor resources will be on standby as needed

SANDBAG DISTRIBUTION

Staff is on hand to assist with sandbags from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the following locations Tuesday (while supplies last):

- Floyd Hull Stadium (2800 SW 8th Ave)
- Mills Pond Park (2201 NW 9th Ave)
- Shirley Small Park (1230 SW 34th Ave)

Approximately 240 tons of sand was distributed on Monday.

EVENT UPDATES 

The State of the City Address, originally scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, has been postponed out of an abundance of caution. The address has been rescheduled for Monday, October 14.

All Advisory Boards and Committees meetings will be cancelled Tuesday and Wednesday.

Broward County Public Schools will be closed Wednesday and Thursday.

All after-school programs and youth leagues are cancelled for Tuesday. All before- and after-school care services, activities, and events are canceled for Wednesday and Thursday. 

For any concerns, residents can contact the City's Customer Service line at 954-828-8000, report online at fortlauderdale.gov/fixitftl, or use the FixItFTL app.

Stay updated by monitoring the City’s website and social media channels for further information. 

STORM UPDATE: MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 11:00 A.M.

CURRENT WEATHER CONDITIONS 

Flooding rain is possible now through Wednesday night, with heavy rain and localized flooding expected today. A flood watch is in effect until Thursday morning. Total rainfall could reach up to 8 inches by Thursday. Tropical Storm force winds are anticipated as early as Tuesday night and continuing through Wednesday.

RAINFALL UPDATE 

Since Saturday, Fort Lauderdale has received approximately 5-6 inches of rain. The forecast predicts up to two additional inches of rain each day through the coming days.

HIGH TIDES AND FLOODING 

Areas impacted by high tides should anticipate standing water at peak tide. Please note that pumping operations are not effective for tidal inundation. This water will recede as the tide goes out.

CITY RESPONSE AND RESOURCES 

City staff is actively assessing neighborhoods across Fort Lauderdale. Pump trucks and portable pumps are being deployed as needed, and additional contractors are on standby to support response efforts. 

As of this morning: 

   - 3 City vactor trucks 

   - 8 contractor vactor trucks 

   - 14 temporary pumps are in operation 

PARKING GARAGES OPEN

To support residents during the weather event, parking will be available free of charge at the following locations from Monday, October 7, 10:00 a.m. through Friday, October 11, 5:00 p.m.:

- Riverwalk Center Garage (150 SE 2nd Street) – Levels 6 and 7 

- Las Olas Garage (200 Las Olas Circle) – Levels 3, 4, and 5 

Please note that all other parking locations will require payment, and enforcement will remain in effect.

TRANSPORTATION 

The Water Trolley service is suspended for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Service is anticipated to resume on Thursday. 

Community Shuttle: Operating as scheduled. 

Broward County Transit: Operating as scheduled.

Circuit MicroMover: Operating as scheduled.

SOLID WASTE COLLECTION 

Trash pickup will continue as scheduled. Residents are encouraged to secure any items that could become hazards in high winds. To this end, we ask that you consider not placing debris on the curb for bulk pickup at this time.

SANDBAG DISTRIBUTION

Staff is on hand to assist with sandbags from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the following locations today (Monday) and tomorrow (Tuesday):

- Floyd Hull Stadium (2800 SW 8th Ave)

- Mills Pond Park (2201 NW 9th Ave)

Self-service is available at both locations from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

EVENT UPDATES 

The State of the City Address, originally scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, has been postponed out of an abundance of caution. A new date will be announced soon.

After-school programs and youth leagues are proceeding as planned unless conditions worsen.

At this time, all City services and facilities are operating as normal. Residents are encouraged to monitor updates and remain cautious while traveling during periods of heavy rain.

For any concerns, residents can contact the City's Customer Service line at 954-828-8000, report online at fortlauderdale.gov/fixitftl, or use the FixItFTL app.

Stay updated by monitoring the City’s website and social media channels for further information. 

UPDATE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 3:30 P.M.

Mayor Dean Trantalis has signed a declaration, placing Fort Lauderdale under a local state of emergency. This declaration allows the City to make emergency purchases as needed to protect residents and manage storm impacts effectively. 

CURRENT FORECAST

A flood watch is in effect until Thursday, with 6-8 inches of rain expected during that time. Flash flooding is possible, particularly in low-lying areas. Periods of heavy rain are expected citywide, and Tropical Storm-force winds are forecast to begin late Tuesday night and continue through Wednesday into Thursday afternoon.

FLOOD SAFETY

With the possibility of flash flooding, we urge residents to avoid driving through flooded areas. Turn around, don’t drown. Just six inches of water can cause a car to stall, and a foot of water can sweep a vehicle off the road. Stay safe by avoiding flooded streets and monitoring local weather reports for updates.

CITY RESPONSE AND PREPARATION

City pump and vactor trucks continue to be deployed throughout the city, with additional contractor pumps on standby. Crews are focused on keeping roads passable to ensure safe travel.

SANDBAG DISTRIBUTION

Sand is available for self-service from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the following locations:

- Floyd Hull Stadium (2800 SW 8th Ave)

- Mills Pond Park (2201 NW 9th Ave)

SOLID WASTE COLLECTION

Trash pickup is expected to continue as usual.

As you begin your storm preparation, please remember that we are expecting heavy wind and rain. We ask that you please consider not placing your items out for bulk collection as they may not be able to be picked up in severe conditions and could become hazards. We encourage residents to monitor the City’s website for updates on the status of solid waste collections as the week progresses.

CITY SERVICES

At this time, all City services and facilities are operating as normal. Residents are encouraged to monitor updates and remain cautious while traveling during periods of heavy rain.

For any concerns, residents can contact the City's Customer Service line at 954-828-8000, report online at fortlauderdale.gov/fixitftl, or use the FixItFTL app.

UPDATE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 11:00 A.M.

The City of Fort Lauderdale is closely monitoring the impacts of widespread rain today through Monday. Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for Broward County ahead of Milton.

CURRENT FORECAST

Heavy rain is expected today through tomorrow, with 4-8 inches of rain possible by Wednesday. The majority of this rainfall is expected to occur today and tomorrow. Tropical storm-force winds are forecasted for late Tuesday into Wednesday, as Milton approaches Florida's west coast. There is a risk of flash flooding for Fort Lauderdale in the coming days.

CITY RESPONSE AND PREPARATION

City staff is actively monitoring and taking precautionary measures. City pump and vactor trucks will be deployed as needed, with additional contractor pumps and vactor trucks on standby.

As a reminder, the goal of our pumping operations is to ensure roads remain passable and safe for travel. You may still see some standing water during heavy rainfall. Crews are focused on keeping streets navigable and accessible, rather than drying them completely.

SANDBAG DISTRIBUTION

Residents can pick up sandbags at the following staffed locations from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.:

- Floyd Hull Stadium (2800 SW 8th Ave)

- Mills Pond Park (2201 NW 9th Ave)

- Shirley Small Park (1230 SW 34th Ave)

CITY SERVICES

At this time, all City services and facilities are operating as normal. Residents are encouraged to monitor updates and remain cautious while traveling during periods of heavy rain.

For any concerns, residents can contact the City's Customer Service line at 954-828-8000, report online at fortlauderdale.gov/fixitftl, or use the FixItFTL app.

UPDATE: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 12:00 P.M.

City of Fort Lauderdale leaders, staff, and emergency management are closely monitoring storm systems expected to impact our area, including the disturbance in the Gulf.

CURRENT FORECAST 

Heavy rainfall is predicted to start tomorrow, Sunday, October 6, and continue through the week, with a total of 7-8 inches expected over the next seven days. The impact on Fort Lauderdale will depend on the intensity of the rain and how it accumulates over time.

High tide occurred at 10:30 a.m. today. Areas affected by the high tide cannot be pumped and will need to drain naturally. Tides are expected to come in lower over the next few days, so we ask residents in these areas to be patient as the streets drain.

CITY RESPONSE AND READINESS 

Resources, including vactor trucks and pumps, are deployed across the city to assist and will be ready to respond. Emergency contractors are on standby, and public safety high-clearance vehicles are staged and prepared to respond as needed.

As a reminder, the goal of our pumping operations is to ensure roads remain passable and safe for travel. You may still see some standing water during heavy rainfall. Crews are focused on keeping streets navigable and accessible, rather than drying them completely.

SANDBAG DISTRIBUTION 

Staff will be on hand to assist with sandbags today and tomorrow (Saturday and Sunday) for residents.

The pickup times are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations:

- Floyd Hull Stadium (2800 SW 8th Ave)

- Mills Pond Park (2201 NW 9th Ave)

CITY SERVICES 

For any concerns, residents can contact the City's Customer Service line at 954-828-8000, report online at fortlauderdale.gov/fixitftl, or use the FixItFTL app.

UPDATE: Friday, October 4

As heavy rain is expected in the coming days, the City of Fort Lauderdale is here to help you prepare and protect your property. Our teams have city pumps and trucks on standby, and emergency contractors are ready to assist if necessary.

We’re also providing sandbags to help you safeguard your home.

Staffed Sandbag Pickup Schedule:

- Saturday and Sunday

- Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

- Locations:

 - Floyd Hull Stadium (2800 SW 8th Ave)

 - Mills Pond Park (2201 NW 9th Ave)

Self-Serve Sand Availability:

- Daily, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

- Locations:

 - Floyd Hull Stadium

 - Mills Pond Park

Bring your own sandbags and shovels for self-service during these hours.

Important Information:

- Proof of residency is required to receive sandbags.

- There is a limit of five sandbags per vehicle.

This sandbag program and our preparations with city resources aim to give you the tools to protect your property against potential flooding. Visit the designated locations for staffed assistance or make use of the self-service option.

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