MIAMI – Low-lying areas in Miami-Dade County flooded Wednesday amid ongoing wet weather, with more rain in the forecast.
Flooding was reported in cities across the county, especially in low-lying areas near Biscayne Bay.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava spoke to Local 10 News ON Wednesday evening, emphasizing the importance of staying home.
“Please stay home if you possibly can and do not go wandering into flooded waters you just do not know what’s under that water and especially if there’s power lines dow, which we know a lot of power is out — 10,000 Customers approximately in Miami-Dade,” she said. “We want people to just stay off the roads but we are pumping and we also have our emergency vehicles on the ready.”
Mayor speaks to Local 10 News:
Levine Cava said county first responders, as of around 7 p.m., had not been overwhelmed by calls.
“I think (it’s) because people were prepared we did put out the notices way ahead and people are are taking the necessary precautions,” she said. “But we have put our emergency vehicles, primarily in the northeast part, which is experiencing the heaviest rounds of rainfall and they’re available to assist if anyone who needs evacuation.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Local 10 News spoke to frustrated residents in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood who couldn’t go to work because of flooding.
“My cousin lives like right in the middle of the pond, and right now she couldn’t go to work,” resident Elizabeth Martin said.
Martin has even lost her car once.
“This is my second car because one of my cars was parked where the flooding was happening, so like, it died,” she said.
📍 Our permanent & temporary pump stations are strategically placed around Miami to manage excess rainfall and prevent flooding. 🌊 Currently our #publicworks dept. has 4 vactor trucks working citywide while city contractors have 6 more on maintenance grids. @CityofMiamiFire… pic.twitter.com/48hxmfyZzu
— City of Miami (@CityofMiami) June 12, 2024
City officials installed pumps in the neighborhood that redirected the storm water to the bay.
“We can say that we have 14 permanent pumps we have 12 temporary pumps in those areas where tend to see water accumulated a little more,” city spokesperson Kenia Fallat said.
Resident Sabrina Cohen said, “I mean, I am glad they are doing something to help, but nature is a force and we are not equipped to deal with this and sometimes you just have to let it be.”
Parts of Miami’s Brickell neighborhood also flooded too.
“The rain was really bad. The street was full of water and it starts to get into our store,” Claudia Fernanda, with Kanu Pet, said.
Floods were also reported in Aventura.
Drivers could be seen trying to go through flood waters near the Aventura Mall.
Local 10 cameras captured at least 10 vehicles that were stalled out in flood waters near Abigail Road.
Aventura flooding:
Aventura police reported closures at Northeast 29th Avenue and 191st Street, Northeast 30th Avenue and 203rd Street and Northeast 34th Avenue and 207th Street.
Flood waters also soaked an already damp Miami Beach.
Drivers were stuck on busy Alton Road for hours before eventually being told by officials they would to make a U-turn due to the road being impassable.
Miami Beach residents who know about it and register can temporarily park their cars on higher ground and out of harm’s way.
Miami Beach flooding:
“While a flood alert is activated in place residents, at no charge, can park on the first-come-first-served basis their vehicles and those two parking garages,” Jose Gonzalez, the city’s interim parking director, said.
The municipal parking garages are at 400 W. 42nd St. and 1661 Pennsylvania Ave.
“We certainly want to minimize any damage to properties to vehicles any impacts to the residents while these weather alerts are in place, so it’s an opportunity for residence to be able to park their vehicles on higher ground rather than on low lying areas on the street,” Gonzalez said.
Residents can register at the city’s website.
Significant flooding was also seen in North Miami.
North Miami flooding:
A Local 10 News crew at Northeast 123rd Street and Biscayne Boulevard saw a free-for-all among drivers as flooding snarled traffic and drivers ignored laws. Reporter Glenna Milberg nearly saw a crash caused by one driver cutting another off.
An ambulance with its lights and siren running struggled to get through.
Pedestrians also trudged through the flooded intersection.
Significant flooding was reported in the nearby Sans Souci Boulevard area.
Visit the Local 10 Weather Authority page for the latest forecast and updates.