Governor DeSantis Declares State of Emergency in South Florida Due to Flooding; Invest 90L Updates
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In response to significant flooding in South Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis has issued Executive Order 24-115, declaring a State of Emergency in Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade, and Sarasota counties.
The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) activated to Level 1 at 8 a.m. today to coordinate response efforts with the State Emergency Response Team (SERT).
Weather Update:
Invest 90L will move offshore today, but tropical moisture will continue to bring scattered heavy rainfall to South Florida. A flood watch remains in effect for South Florida and the Keys due to the risk of flash flooding. Widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the afternoon and evening, with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms continuing overnight.
Florida Division of Emergency Management (Division):
- Division Executive Director Kevin Guthrie has been deployed to South Florida to manage state resources and address unmet needs in impacted communities.
- Over 20 pumps and hoses are staged in Punta Gorda to remove flood waters.
- Regional Coordinators are in constant communication with county emergency management directors to report impacts to the State Watch Office.
Other State Efforts:
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT):
- FDOT crews prepared for the storm by clearing roadways, drainage openings, and staging equipment.
- Pumps were mobilized to clear flooded lanes on I-95, Pembroke Road, US1, and SR A1A, making these roads fully operational.
- Additional pumps addressed minor flooding in the Kinney Tunnel, which is now clear.
- FDOT continues to communicate with local agencies to provide necessary support and monitor road conditions in coordination with the Florida Highway Patrol.
Current Road Conditions:
- The State Highway System is open, including previously flooded portions of I-95 in Southeast Florida.
- Hallandale Beach Blvd. between US 1 & SR A1A has some lanes underwater but is passable.
- Stirling Rd at SW 11th Ave has turning lanes with standing water.
Seaports:
- All seaports are open and operational.
Airports:
- OPEN: Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International (multiple taxiway closures, 50+ flight delays and cancellations), Key West International (5+ flight delays and cancellations), Miami International (50+ flight delays and cancellations), Orlando International (5+ flight delays and cancellations), Palm Beach International (few delays), Sarasota/Bradenton International (runway 04/22 closed, 2 delays), Southwest Florida International (5+ flight delays and cancellations).
Rail:
- IMPACTED: Brightline operations suspended between Aventura and Miami Station.
Transit
- Community shuttles in Hallandale Beach, Dania Beach, Davie, and Lauderdale Lakes are suspended.
- Broward County Transit is detouring one route.
- LauderGo Micromover service is suspended.
Safety Messaging
- FDOT urges motorists to check FL511 for real-time travel information, including road and bridge closures. Intersections with non-working traffic signals should be treated as stop signs.
Florida Highway Patrol (FHP):
- FHP is coordinating with law enforcement and FDOT in response to flooding.
- Engaging with counties requesting assistance, patrolling affected areas, and removing abandoned vehicles from I-95.
- Fixed-wing aircraft and unmanned aerial units are supporting FDOT in assessing road and traffic conditions.
- Motorists can report disabled vehicles or dangerous driving conditions to *FHP (*347).
FloridaCommerce:
- Activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey to expedite flooding recovery efforts for businesses south of I-4. Survey available at FloridaDisaster.biz under “South Florida Flooding.”
- Private sector hotline: 850-815-4925 (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), email: ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
- Updates on closures and resources at FloridaDisaster.biz/CurrentDisasterUpdates.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE):
- Emergency preparedness unit activated at SEOC, ready to assist law enforcement and communities impacted by Invest 90L.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC):
- FWC officers are prepared to assist with emergency response equipment and capabilities, coordinating with state and local emergency management.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection:
- Coordinating with Florida’s Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (FlaWARN) and other agencies to dispatch generators, fuel, and pump trucks for drinking water and wastewater facilities.
- The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is supporting flood control efforts, engaging with local governments, and deploying temporary pumps as needed. The regional canal system is fully operational.
Florida Department of Education:
- Visit fldoe.org/storminfo for updates on closures and reopenings of early learning providers, school districts, and colleges.
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation:
- Deploying investigators to conduct damage assessments of licensed establishments and address unlicensed activity in impacted areas.
Agency for Health Care Administration:
- Activated the Emergency Patient Look-Up System (E-PLUS) and notified users in affected counties.
- Monitoring weather and impacts on healthcare facilities.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:
- Coordinating with ports and fuel industry partners to ensure adequate fuel supplies.
- Fuel and food safety inspectors are assessing impacted areas for proper operations.
Florida State Guard:
- Coordinating with the Florida Division of Emergency Management to deploy personnel and resources, including maritime response units and vehicles for humanitarian aid and supply transport.
Department of Elder Affairs:
- Communicating with Area Agencies on Aging to address unmet needs. Updates available at ElderAffairs.org.
For updates and recovery information on the flooding impacts due to Invest 90L – South Florida Flash Flooding, visit FloridaDisaster.org/SFLFlood.
Follow the Division for updates on Instagram, X, and Facebook.
Updated: Thursday, June 13, 2024
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