Miami-Dade County is under a Flood Watch from tonight through Saturday night, as periods of heaviest rainfall are expected Saturday into Saturday night. Heavy rainfall leading to street flooding is of main concern and exercising a high level of caution during inclement weather conditions is necessary to ensure your safety. 

• When preparing to ride out a storm, you should always have an emergency kit ready, and your kit should include masks and hand sanitizer. Remember that getting vaccinated, practicing social distancing, and wearing a mask is vital to help protect ourselves and others from the spread of COVID-19.
• If you live in areas that are prone to flooding, be sure that your storm drains and rain gutters are free of any debris.
• When possible, try to avoid going outside during strong inclement weather. Instead, stay indoors during the storm and tune to local news updates for information.  
• If you need to drive somewhere, make sure that your headlights and windshield wipers are in good condition prior to leaving the house.
• When it starts raining, turn on your headlights immediately and reduce your speed and keep one space between you and the car ahead.
• If you begin to feel threatened by the rain, pull over until it calms down.
• If flooding occurs, listen to NOAA Weather Radio for current and forecasted conditions in your area.
• If flooding begins in your area, go to higher ground immediately.
• When driving, always be aware that the road bed under flood waters may be severely damaged. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. Remember that it takes only two feet of water to carry away a vehicle, including pickups and SUVs. TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN
• If your vehicle stalls, get out immediately and go to higher ground.
• Be extra cautious at night when it is harder to see possible flood dangers.
• When walking, do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Remember that it takes only six inches of rushing water to knock an adult off his feet.
• If inclement weather brings lightning, use the “30-30 Rule” when you see lightning by counting until you hear thunder. If that time is 30 seconds or less, seek shelter immediately because the storm is close enough to be dangerous.
• When outside, avoid being the tallest object. Don’t stand under or near an isolated tree or small group of trees.
• Get inside a sturdy structure before the storm approaches and don’t stand by open windows, doors or patios during the storm.
• Unplug all unnecessary appliances. Don’t use the telephone during a storm unless it’s an emergency.
• Get out of boats and away from water.
• If someone is struck by lightning, call 9-1-1 immediately.

All residents are urged to stay tuned to radio and television broadcasts for further details of the storm movement. Miami-Dade County officials are closely monitoring the situation and will issue further advisories as they become necessary.  

The 3-1-1 Contact Center hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m.  To reach the 3-1-1 Contact Center, residents can dial 3-1-1 in Miami-Dade or (305) 468-5900 outside of Miami-Dade County. Specialists are taking calls in English, Spanish, and Creole. Residents can access disaster-related information 24 hours a day on the OEM website located at www.miamidade.gov/oem.

It is the policy of Miami-Dade County to comply with all of the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  The facility is accessible. For sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices or materials in accessible format, please call in advance 305-468-5954.