The National Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Warning and Flood Watch for Miami-Dade County due to possible impact from rains or winds associated with Hurricane Helene as it passes to the west of South Florida. These will remain in effect through Thursday evening. County operations remain normal.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local media or verified social media platforms for the latest updates, advisories and instructions from public safety officials.
Sign up for free Miami-Dade Alerts to receive emergency texts or emails regarding public safety issues, recommended public protective actions, and other emergency information.
Call 311 to report flooding in your area.
Safety tips:
- Stay home or indoors, if you can.
- Decrease water use in the morning and evening, which are the heaviest usage times, during heavy rain.
- Keep manhole covers closed when streets are flooded. We don’t want flooding getting into the wastewater system and we don’t want wastewater getting into our streets so it’s important to keep the manhole covers closed.
- Don’t drive or walk into flood waters: Don’t drive or walk around road barriers, or through large puddles. Hidden debris may be just under the surface that could hurt you or disable your car. It is vital to know what to do if you are driving and hit a flooded road: More than half of the deaths from flooding each year occur in vehicles. Turn around, don’t drown.
- Don’t underestimate the power of water: 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car, while 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.
- Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires: Electrocution is also a major killer in floods. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to Florida Power and Light’s customer service number at (305) 442-8770.
- Do not play in standing water: If water is stagnant for extended periods, there is a potential for contamination. Playing or remaining in standing water should be avoided.
- Do not touch an electric appliance if you are wet or standing in water.
- Decrease water use in the morning and evening – which are the heaviest usage times – during heavy rain.
For more safety tips, visit miamidade.gov/fire
