(September 27, 2022 – 2:00 p.m.)
Hurricane Ian has grown into a major Category 3 hurricane. It is currently projected that Ian will make landfall on the west coast of Florida along the Collier County Coastline, however hazardous conditions extend far from the center and all tropical threats are still possible for South Florida. All counties should be on guard and prepared. Any further eastward shifts in the track of Ian could bring increasingly hazardous conditions closer to our area.
CURRENT Warning in effect locally:
Tornado Watch in effect for all of SFL through 5 p.m. tonight except Glades County
Tropical Storm Watch All of Broward & Miami-Dade counties
Flood Watch (all of South Florida) through Thursday morning.
Rain will gradually increase over South Florida this afternoon and tonight, with periodic heavy rain bands containing wind gusts/squalls to near tropical storm force over all of South Florida today through Thursday as the storm has slowed down. Rainfall flooding and isolated tornadoes are possible across all of South Florida during this same time frame.
What Can We Expect Here on the East Coast in South Florida?
Possible threats/impacts associated with Ian will increase this evening, including:
- Major rainfall leading to potential flooding
- Gusty winds, with at least gusts of tropical storm force, can lead to tree damage and downed power lines and outages. Outdoor objects could be blown around.
- Coastal flooding
- Risk of tornadoes
Impacts extend beyond the cone!!
- Small changes in the track can still make a BIG difference in impacts across South Florida, especially with a large and powerful hurricane moving parallel to the coast. Continue to closely monitor future forecasts.
Recommended Storm Preparation
Residents should monitor storm information via local media sources, and continue preparations for the storm.
Prepare
While the storm track has the hurricane coming ashore on the west coast, South Florida and Broward County, can still see hazardous conditions which will extend well away from the center. All tropical threats are still anticipated for South Florida including increasing wind, storm surge and heavy rainfall.
Secure loose, light, outdoor objects, light potted plants, etc. before the arrival of increasing winds likely beginning Tuesday night and continuing through Wednesday.
Secure important papers (such as insurance and personal documents) in a waterproof container.
Check portable stoves and other cooking equipment, as well as flashlights and portable radios, to make sure items are in good working order.
Keep your phone and backup batteries fully charged in anticipation of any power outages due to the storm's winds.
Always have several days of water, food and clothing for every member of the family. You should plan to be self-sufficient for at least the first 72 hours following a storm’s impact.
Do not stress if you cannot find bottled water. Fill pitchers, containers, pots and pans and the bathtub with tap water to ensure an additional supply of safe drinking water should water service be interrupted.
Check storm drains near your home daily to make sure they are clear of debris to prevent localized flooding.
Flooded Streets
Do NOT let children (or yourself) walk in flooded streets. Flood waters aren’t safe. In addition to feces and the associated bacteria, fertilizer, viruses and unseen hazards under the water, flood waters may hide downed wires and wildlife, such as floating ant piles.
If you do have to go through flooded waters, wash your skin after. If you have any open cuts, clean them thoroughly. Wash any children’s toys left in flood water.
Turn Around - Don't Drown. Do not drive down flooded streets especially if you do not know the area. With canals and lakes in SFL, and flooded roadways, you may not know where the street ends and a waterway begins.
Status of City Services
All City of Weston administrative offices are open regular business hours today. City Buildings will be closed Wed., Sept. 28, however services will continue uninterrupted. All phones operational.
Garbage collection – normal operations today.
All City of Weston Parks will remain open for regular operating hours on Tuesday, September 27 until further notice.
Lake Levels - The City is following its own Emergency Operations plan. Staff is continuously monitoring the storm’s activity. The City’s Public Works Department staff works in coordination with the South Florida Water Management District, which operates the regional stormwater canal systems, to lower the levels of water in these canals to allow for the system to handle additional rainfall.
Information from Broward County School Board
School is open today, Tues., Sept. 27, however all after-school activities are canceled, including field trips, practices and nighttime classes. Afterschool care will be available; however, we ask that parents, guardians and caregivers pick up their children from afterschool care as soon as possible.
Broward County Schools will be closed on Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022. On these dates, all before and after-school activities are canceled, including field trips and nighttime classes. Aftercare will not be available.
Information from Broward County:
For information regarding special needs registry, the Broward County Hurricane Hotline is available at 954-831-4000 or dial 3-1-1. Visit
Broward.org/Hurricane for countywide cancellations and closures.
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.
