Miami-Dade County Departments respond to inclement weather and heavy rainfall

As Miami-Dade County continues to face inclement weather, 
Miami-Dade County Departments has been taking steps to prepare our infrastructure and help reduce flooding in hot spots, focusing on known issue areas where we can anticipate flooding may occur. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), coastal and metro areas of Miami-Dade County are under a Flash Flood Emergency and the excessive rainfall is causing flooding in areas that are low-lying, with poor drainage and in urban areas.

  
 

“Miami-Dade County staff has been working proactively to prepare our community since before the rain started, and we are working to protect our residents and businesses,” says Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “We ask residents and visitors to stay safe, stay inside, avoid flooded areas and remain vigilant for possible hazards.”   


The Water and Sewer Department (WASD) is working to protect critical infrastructure and ensure operations by: 

• installing temporary dams around pump stations in vulnerable areas; 
• draining the wastewater system – where possible – to maximize storage capacity; 
• increasing staffing to critical facilities to manage heavier flows; 
• temporarily pausing work on current upgrade projects during inclement weather to ensure an increased flow capacity within the wastewater system to accommodate the heavy rains; 
• and, preparing vacuum trucks to deploy as needed. 

The Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW): 

• inspects and removes debris, especially in low-lying areas, year-round; 
• inspects of all 18 storm water pumps to ensure functionality; 
• and, is ready to respond to flooding areas and make sure the drains are not obstructed and draining properly. 


The Miami-Dade Department of Emergency Management:  

• monitors weather updates and changes in weather projections to assess the impact on County services; 
• coordinates all County resources to ensure a state of readiness.  

The Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER): 

• in close coordination with the South Florida Water Management District, makes sure that canal water levels across Miami-Dade are low and continues to monitor.  

Safety tips from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue:  

• 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.   
 

Sign up for free emergency alerts: Receive emergency texts or emails regarding public safety issues, recommended public protective actions or other emergency information by signing up for Miami-Dade Alerts.   

Monitor media: Continue monitoring local media or verified social media platforms for the latest updates, advisories, and instructions from public safety officials. 

Call 311 to report flooding in your area.