For Immediate Release:
December 20, 2018

Media Contact:
Erika Benitez

786-331-5212



Severe Weather Forecast for Miami-Dade County


(MIAMI, December 20, 2018) – The Miami-Dade Office of Emergency Management (OEM) stresses to Miami-Dade County residents to employ a high level of caution during inclement weather conditions to assure safety for everyone. 

A cold front with a slight to enhanced risk of scattered strong to severe thunderstorms is forecast to move across South Florida today. Damaging winds, isolated tornadoes, frequent lightning and hazardous marine conditions are the main threats. 

According to the Federal Highway Administration, over 5.8 million vehicle crashes occur each year. Twenty-one percent of those crashes are weather-related, with the majority of them happening on wet pavement and during rainfall. By being alert and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure your safety during inclement weather.

OEM recommends that residents take the following preventive measures while driving in the rain:

  • Do a Pre-Trip Inspection: Before leaving any vicinity, make sure that the following is in good condition and working properly:
    • Windshield wipers
    • Headlights
    • Tires
    • Brakes
  • Turn Your Headlights On: When it’s raining and visibility is insufficient due to weather conditions, turn on your vehicle’s headlights to help decrease the chances of an accident.
  • Slow Down: Speeding during inclement weather can cause your car to hydroplane or skid. Also, keep enough space between you and the vehicle in front. This allows you more time to react if something occurs.
  • Pull Over: If you feel uncomfortable with the weather conditions, pull over onto the shoulder of the road until it calms down.
  • Avoid Flooded Areas: While driving, try to avoid areas with flooding and large puddles. If you are unable to avoid puddles, drive slowly and afterwards dry your breaks off by pressing on them gently and slowly.

Inclement weather can also bring with it lightning, so it’s crucial for residents to take precautionary steps to avoid being harmed:

  • “30-30 Rule”: Use the “30-30 Rule” when you see lightning by counting until you hear thunder. If the time is 30 seconds or less, seek shelter immediately because it indicates that the storm is close enough to be a threat.
  • Avoid Trees: Don’t stand under or near an isolated tree or a group of trees.
  • Avoid Being the Tallest: When outside, avoid being the tallest object, for it makes you more susceptible to being struck by lightning.
  • Unplug What You Don’t Need: Unplug all the unnecessary appliances. Any electrical equipment or cords should be avoided. Furthermore, avoid contact with corded phones and devices plugged into wall outlets for recharging.
  • Avoid Telephones: Unless it’s an emergency, avoid using a telephone during a storm.
  • Stay Away: Keep your distance from windows, doors, patios and porches.
  • Avoid Water: Stay away from water or any vessel in the water (boat, etc.).
  • Get Indoors: Seek shelter in a sturdy building and avoid buildings in open areas. If you can’t find shelter, get inside a hard-topped automobile and keep the windows up.
  • Avoid Plumbing: Don’t shower or take a bath during a storm. Stay away from any bathroom or plumbing fixture.
  • Be Wary: If you feel your skin tingling or your hairs are standing on end, that means lightning is about to strike. Squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet and place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Try to make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact with the ground—don’t lay on the ground.
  • Call 9-1-1 if someone is struck by lightning.
  • Stay current on weather conditions: The weather can change quickly in Florida. To get updated information on the current weather conditions, please visit the  National Weather Service.

For more information, please contact MDFR’s Media and Public Relations Bureau at (305) 814-8051.


 

# # #

 

FIRE RESCUE
9300 N.W. 41str Street Miami, Florida 33178
(786) 331-5000