FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – In the flood-prone Edgewood neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale, residents are gearing up for a wet weekend as Tropical Depression Four, expected to eventually Tropical Storm Debby as it approaches South Florida.
Locals like George Bottino are heading to Floyd Hull Stadium to collect free sandbags to protect their homes.
“I had a bad experience last April,” Bottino said. “We had 22 inches of rain come above the garage and into the house, destroying everything. I even lost my car to floodwaters.”
This time, Bottino isn’t taking any chances.
“I went to Floyd Park, loaded up some bags, and I’m getting ready because I think we’re going to get a lot of rain,” Bottino added.
Mark Rigdon, another resident of Edgewood, says preparing for potential floods is not his ideal Friday evening activity, but it’s necessary.
“We get flooded every year. This is my third or fourth flood in the last two years,” Rigdon said while filling sandbags.
With Tropical Storm Debby anticipated to bring heavy rain and wind this weekend, South Florida Water Management District’s Armando Vilaboy advises residents to ensure their storm drains are clear of debris.
“We lower the closed canals, and the water will run through the limestone in South Florida, lowering the elevations in those areas as well,” he said. “Make sure your drains are unencumbered by foliage or anything that could stop water from moving, The district is also lowering canal levels to manage excess water and prevent flooding.”
In Hallandale Beach, city workers are actively clearing drains to prevent flooding.
The city of Miami is also taking measures, with spokesperson Kenia Fallat telling Local 10′s Hannah Yechivi that an additional pump has been added along Biscayne Boulevard.
“It’s very important to stay out of flooded areas if you don’t need to be there,” said Fallat.
Bottino said he has also increased his flood and homeowners insurance.
“It’s very important to make a plan in the event of flooding in case you have to leave your home,” said Erika Benitez, director of media and public relations at Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and Office of Emergency Management.
Residents seeking sandbags can find a list of locations in Broward and Miami-Dade counties by clicking here.
Monroe County officials said there aren’t any sandbag distribution locations in their area, but residents are advised to protect any loose items outside their homes ahead of this weekend.
Monroe County residents can find the latest information from officials by clicking here.
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