South Florida Cities Declare Emergency as Hurricane Milton Approaches
South Florida Cities Declare States of Emergency Ahead of Hurricane Milton
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| States of Emergency | Miami, Hollywood, and several other cities have declared states of emergency due to Hurricane Milton's expected impact. |
| Severe Weather | Heavy rain and flooding have already begun, with more intense weather expected as the hurricane approaches. |
| Preparations | Cities are distributing sandbags, waiving parking fees in garages, and urging residents to take precautions. |
FORT LAUDERDALE — As Hurricane Milton strengthens and South Florida braces for periods of heavy rain, several cities have declared states of emergency to prepare for potential flooding and severe weather. Miami, Hollywood, and other municipalities are taking preemptive measures, urging residents to prepare for the worst and seek safety ahead of the storm.
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez was among the first to declare a state of emergency on Sunday, followed by the City of Hollywood, where residents are already seeing floodwaters on local streets. "The situation demands swift action," Mayor Suarez said in a statement, advising residents to take all necessary precautions.
Sandbag Distribution and Preparations
Several cities are offering free sandbags to help residents safeguard their homes from the anticipated flooding. Hollywood announced parking fee waivers at three city-operated garages, encouraging residents to park in these secure locations. Sandbag distribution events have also been organized at multiple locations:
- Garfield Garage, 300 Connecticut St.
- Nebraska Garage, 327 Nebraska St.
- Van Buren Garage, 251 S. 20th Ave.
Other cities, including Miami Gardens and North Miami, have also announced similar events, distributing sandbags on a first-come, first-served basis. Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, and Pembroke Pines have joined the effort, offering sandbag pickup locations and urging residents to act quickly.
Resident Concerns and Ongoing Flooding
As more rain is expected in the coming days, residents in Hollywood and surrounding areas have expressed concerns about the increasing flood risks. Many are already dealing with rising waters that have made navigating streets difficult. Local police have issued warnings about driving through flooded areas, advising people to stay home if possible.
"I already got all my stuff ready to go," said Michael Sloan, a Hollywood resident preparing his home for potential damage. "I've put up sandbags and secured my property—I'm ready for whatever comes."
States of Emergency Declared
In addition to Miami and Hollywood, other cities including North Miami Beach, Hallandale Beach, and South Miami have declared states of emergency, offering resources like sandbags, waived parking fees, and public safety advisories. Emergency services have ramped up, preparing for the potential devastation of Hurricane Milton.
The City of Miami Beach, while not yet under a state of emergency, has already opened several public garages to residents and business owners free of charge. They’ve also shared updates on social media, advising the public to prepare for the storm's impact.
Conclusion
As Hurricane Milton approaches, South Florida is taking proactive steps to prepare for the worst. Residents are encouraged to heed local advisories, gather necessary supplies, and stay safe as the region braces for heavy rains, flooding, and potentially damaging winds. With states of emergency declared across multiple cities, the coming days will test the community's resilience in the face of an increasingly dangerous storm.
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