City of Weston eNotification: How We Manage Stormwater

 

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT Moving Water Following Heavy Rainfall from TS Eta Community Notification #4 | November 10, 2020 12:30 p.m.

After unprecedented rainfall from Tropical Storm Eta fell on an already soggy South Florida that had experienced unusually high levels of rainfall since the traditional end of the rainy season (May through October), lake levels continue to be high and localized street flooding is widespread. Stormwater management crews from the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and local municipalities, such as the City of Weston, continue to pump stormwater out at the permitted maximum capacity, as they began doing so prior to the storm's arrival. Why Lake Levels are High and Street Flooding Exists The City of Weston's Stormwater Management System is made up of lakes and canals throughout the City that flow into the C-11 canal to the South (Indian Trace District) and the New River Canal to the North (Bonaventure District.) The amount of rainfall received in many areas of Weston, exceeds the rate at which water is able to be pumped out. Also, the water retention areas that water is pumped out to is at or near maximum capacity. Water levels will gradually return to normal, as water continues to be pumped and days without rain will help.

Flood Watch Remains In Effect A Flood Watch continues to be in effect for our area through 7 p.m. tomorrow (November 11).

Additional Updates on City Operations Following Tropical Storm Eta's overnight impact, by noon on Monday, November 9, the City of Weston crews made the following assessments: Wastewater Lift Stations: All operational and no overflows reported. Stormwater Maintenance: All equipment fully operational at pumping out at our allowed capacity. Roadways: No total closure of any main roadways. Sections of Bonaventure, Manatee Isle Drive and Town Center Blvd had flooding on the outer lanes with water curb high (4-5”) at the median but passable. These continue to recede as the hours go by with no more rainfall. Gated/Private Communities: There are internal roadways within gated communities that have flooding, but no residential flooding to homes was reported. Palm Fronds/Vegetation on Roadways: Approximately 60-70% of the miscellaneous fronds of the roadways done so far. There were 1-2 downed trees which were promptly handled.

How Stormwater is Managed in the City of Weston

Flooding on Public Streets City of Weston crews continue to assess localized flooding. There is no need to report flooding on public streets and right-of-ways following this storm event; however, to report unusual flooding incidents, send an email to our Public Works staff or call the Public Works Department at 954-385-2600. 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. In the event that flooding is so severe that a structure may be impacted, property owners may call the City’s Public Works Department at 954-385-2600. Public Works staff will investigate the situation and determine if the cause of the flooding is the community’s drainage system or the City’s storm water management system, and take the appropriate action, if any is needed. The City does not perform work on privately-owned drainage systems. For more details, visit WestonFL.org/Flood.

Avoid Standing Water and Drive With Caution Avoid walking through standing water and do not let children play in it as hazards may exist, such as wildlife (snakes and other waterborne animals or insects) and debris (palm fronds and sharp sticks/vegetation, or other items that cannot be seen in murky water), among other times. After heavy rain that causes localized flooding beware of driving conditions as it is difficult to distinguish between the roadway and a waterway. There were two incidents of vehicles that drove into canals in Weston just yesterday.

An Update from South Florida Water Management Monday, November 9

WHERE TO FIND INFORMATION FROM THE CITY OF WESTON Stay connected with your City! Visit WestonFL.org/Connect and subscribe to eNews to receive updates throughout the storm. Follow the City of Weston on Twitter at Twitter.com/CityofWeston for ongoing updates and set an audible alert for our Alert account at Twitter.com/WestonFLAlert. Register to receive CodeRED emergency notifications from the City of Weston at: Westonfl.org/Residents/Hurricane/CodeRed.aspx.

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CITY OF WESTON 17200 Royal Palm Boulevard Weston, Florida 33326 WestonFL.org 954-385-2000