Tropical Storm Laura Update - 8/21

The City of Miami Beach's Department of Emergency Management is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Laura with maximum sustained winds of around 45 mph. Based on the latest forecast, view imagery below, Tropical Storm conditions are possible across South Florida by Monday, August 23.   The National Hurricane Center (NHC) advised that Miami-Dade County could be under a Tropical Storm Watch beginning sometime tomorrow, August 22.   Although the projected path has shifted south, Miami Beach will still likely feel impacts from Tropical Storm Laura, including wind, rainfall, and possible storm surge. All impacts are highly dependent on the exact track and intensity of Tropical Storm Laura, which are still unclear at this time.

We cannot let our guard down, we have to prepare for the earliest arrival of tropical storm conditions. Please prepare your homes and businesses now. We will continue to provide updates on this weather system as it evolves, and detailed information can be found at www.nhc.noaa.gov. Now is the time to review your hurricane plan with your members of your household. Visit our hurricane webpage for tips on how to stay safe this hurricane season and watch our hurricane special below, which will also be airing regularly on MBTV (Channel 660 on Atlantic Broadband or Channel 99 on AT&T U-Verse).

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. Tree Trimming Residents that wish to maintain their trees and landscaping prior to the city being under a tropical watch and/or warning should utilize the Green Waste Facility located at 2800 Meridian Avenue, the hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Sundays. Do not place tree timing or residential waste on swale. Click here to learn more on the Green Waste Facility. 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 In the event of a watch or warning, all contractors will be instructed to secure their work zones in preparation for the storm. 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