eNotification: Weston Prepares for Tropical Storm Isaias

City of Weston | Preparing for Tropical Storm Isaias July 30, 2020 | 5:45 p.m.

Water Levels Being Lowered Weston's Stormwater Management System of Lakes and Canals Now is a Good Time to Review Communication Plan and Supplies ______________________________________________________________ WATER LEVELS In advance of Tropical Storm Isaias, the water managers at the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) that operate the regional canal system, are lowering levels of their canals. This will allow the local drainage districts, such as the City of Weston to better discharge any excess stormwater runoff from our water bodies to the SFWMD regional canals. Likewise, in advance of Tropical Storm Isaias, standard pre-storm pro-active preparations by the City’s Public Works Department include: Lowering lakes levels within the permitted regulation to create capacity for expected heavy rainfall; Inspecting key parts of the stormwater conveyance system; Ensuring adequate fuel supplies for pump stations and other equipment Readying staff and equipment for storm assignments; and Coordinating with SFWMD on conference calls about District pumping of the primary canals. STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM With heavy rains anticipated through the weekend, we would like to reassure residents and business owners that the City of Weston maintains a comprehensive Stormwater Management System of lakes and canals which are essential in flood control. Please take a moment to view the video above to understand how your Public Works professionals keep water flowing to ensure your home and business stays dry.

You Can Help Prevent Flooding

Did you know that in very heavy rains, some water standing in streets or swales, is part of the flood control design plan and is expected? Your neighborhood lake's water level may seem to rise alarmingly, but that's not likely to last. If the system in your neighborhood is working properly, levels will return to normal soon after the rain has stopped. A heavier, more widespread and longer-lasting storm will require more time for local, secondary and regional systems to absorb the excess water. Because these flood control systems are connected, what's happening upstream or downstream from your neighborhood also has an impact. You can help these systems work efficiently. Here are some easy things you can do: Check swales in your neighborhood to ensure they are free of debris; Secure objects that can easily blow away; Do not trim trees or create yard debris until after this storm; Ensure the drainage grates are clear of any debris. Grass clippings and fallen leaves can quickly slow drainage in your neighborhood and will need to be raked aside/removed to allow the water to drain.

Flooding within Community Association Maintained Properties: Roadways (and their drainage systems) within private communities are owned and maintained by the community’s maintenance association, not the City of Weston. Response to, and mitigation of, flooding that occurs within these private communities is the responsibility of the community’s management company or Homeowner's Association. For more information click here.

PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION. The time to prepare is BEFORE a storm is on the horizon. Are YOU #WestonReady? We can help. Click Here for Preparedness Information.

City of Weston staff continue to work remotely to serve our community. You can reach us by phone at:  City Hall 954-385-2000 Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Administrative Services Center 954-385-0500 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Community Center 954-389-4321 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Public Works Services Center 954-385-2600 Monday through Friday, 7 am until 4 p.m. Follow us on Twitter at @CityofWeston and @WestonFLAlert, on Facebook @CityofWestonFL. Register to receive CodeRED emergency notifications from the City of Weston at www.westonfl.org/Residents/Hurricane/CodeRed.aspx.

Hurricane Isaias Update #1

The City of Miami Beach's Division of Emergency Management is monitoring Hurricane Isaias. A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Coastal Miami-Dade County. A Tropical Storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours. The center of the storm is located about 398 miles southeast of Miami Beach. On the forecasted track, tropical storm force winds (58 mph or greater) could arrive in South Florida late Saturday. Other concerns are the potential for locally heavy rainfall associated with the storm that could bring some local flooding. High surf, dangerous rip currents and minor coastal erosion are also expected, and marine conditions will deteriorate early Saturday.   NO evacuation order has been issued in Miami-Dade County. Please remain safe and socially distant within safe structures, protected from wind and rain. Preparations to protect life and property should be completed by the end of day today.    There still remains some uncertainty as to the timing and direction of Hurricane Isaias. We will continue to provide updates on this weather system as it evolves, and detailed information can be found at www.nhc.noaa.gov. Review your hurricane plan with your members of your household. Visit our hurricane webpage for tips on how to stay safe this hurricane season.

City Updates Beaches & Parks In advance of the approaching storm, beginning tonight at 8 p.m., all beaches, parks and city facilities will be closed until further notice. Parking Your Vehicle in City Garages Beginning at 6 p.m. today, residents may park their vehicles in the following city parking garages for safe keeping during the storm: 42 Street Garage | 400 W 42 Street 17 Street Garage | 640 17 Street Residential Trash Pickup Update for North Beach Residential garbage pick-up in the North Beach areas on Saturday, August 1 will be starting at 6 a.m. Please ensure that all garbage bins are accessible tonight in order to receive service tomorrow. Following pick-up, please secure bins in preparation for high winds. COVID-19 Testing Due to expected inclement weather, both COVID-19 testing sites at the Miami Beach Convention Center and 73 Street/Ocean Terrace are closed. The sites hope to resume testing by Tuesday, August 4. Sidewalk Café Notice For the safety of all residents, visitors and businesses, and pursuant to Sec 82-381(g), of the City of Miami Beach Code of Ordinances, all sidewalk café infrastructure (tables, chairs, planters, umbrellas, etc.), and all items in the right-of-way associated with any restaurant expansion, including fencing, must be removed from the city’s right-of-way by close of business today, July 31, 2020. The public right-of-way must be cleared. Food Distribution Saturday's weekly drive-thru food distribution at 2100 Collins Avenue has been cancelled.

What can YOU do to prepare for the storm?   Remove All Yard Decor Remove all yard furniture and decor, this is necessary to prevent projectiles during a storm from affecting your home or neighbor's home. The city is encouraging residents to take down these items now and only place them back after the storm has passed. Residential Trash As of today, regular residential trash is scheduled as normal, there has been no change in schedule. The Waste Connections contractor will not be scheduling any bulk pick-ups until further notice. The monthly Wasteful Weekend has been cancelled for this weekend. Additionally, now is NOT the time to trim trees. Do NOT place any bulky garbage or yard clippings at your curb, this could becoming a projectile during a storm. Store Water Store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day in sterilized sealable containers for drinking and cooking. Save enough water for 7-10 days. COVID-19 This year, remember to include face masks, hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies to your storm kit. Construction Activities All contractors will be instructed to secure their work zones in preparation for the storm. You may see crews in the area continuing work activities as part of the storm preparation. Register Vulnerable Populations Is there someone in your family who is unable to evacuate on their own? Maybe they're elderly or have special needs. We encourage you to have them sign up for the Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP) provided by Miami-Dade County. Do not wait until an evacuation order is issued, register today at www.miamidade.gov/fire/eeap.asp or call 311 today. Updates from Miami-Dade County All messages pertaining to evacuation orders would be issued by Miami-Dade County.

Stay Connected and Informed Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for real-time updates. Download the Ready Miami-Dade (Ready MDC) mobile application from the County's Office of Emergency Management, available via Google Play and the App Store store. Text MBTraffic to 888777 for traffic text updates and then MBAlert to 888777 to receive emergency alerts via text. Visit www.mbalerts.com to sign-up for text/email/phone call alerts to receive emergency notifications and automatic weather alerts Residents can call the Resident Information Center at 305.604.CITY (2489) from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for any Tropical Storm related questions.

Washington Avenue Social Distancing Plan - Update 7/30

Washington Avenue Social Distancing Plan Southbound Re-Striping Complete, New Traffic Configuration in Place

Following close coordination and planning with the the Washington Avenue Business Improvement District (BID), the city has partially closed Washington Avenue to vehicular traffic to create a pedestrian and bicycle boulevard that meets the needs of residents, businesses and visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new traffic pattern on Washington Avenue between 5 - 16 streets configures the street to allow for vehicle travel on one lane, parking on another and creates a parking protected bicycle lane curbside. Please refer to the image for a visual. Also note that the speed limit throughout the corridor has been lowered to 25 MPH, and Miami-Dade County Transit bus stops will be relocated from Washington Avenue to Collins Avenue starting on Monday, August 3. This new configuration allows for restaurants in the corridor to expand by using the existing sidewalks and parking lanes, and also aims to activate additional space for walkers, joggers, cyclists, skaters and other outdoor activities. For more information, please contact: Lauren Firtel, Neighborhood Affairs Coordinator Email: laurenfirtel@miamibeachfl.gov3 or at 305.986.6403

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