6/13/2024

Florida Division of Emergency Management Issues Updates on Invest 90L – South Florida Flash Flooding

~ Governor Ron DeSantis issues Executive Order-24-115 declaring a State of Emergency in Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade and Sarasota counties ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In response to significant flooding in South Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-115 declaring a State of Emergency in Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade and Sarasota counties.

Today, the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) activated to a Level 1 at 8 a.m. for response efforts with the State Emergency Response Team (SERT). 

Invest 90L will move offshore today, with tropical moisture continuing to bring scattered heavy rainfall to South Florida. A flood watch will remain in effect across South Florida and the Keys due to expected heavy rainfall that creates the risk of flash flooding. Widespread showers and thunderstorms can be expected throughout the afternoon and evening hours; however, scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms can be expected to continue into the overnight hours.

 Florida Division of Emergency Management (Division):

• Division Executive Director Kevin Guthrie has deployed to South Florida to coordinate state resource management and identify unmet needs in impacted communities.
• More than 20 pumps and hoses are staged in Punta Gorda to remove flood waters.
• Regional Coordinators in impacted areas remain in constant communication with county emergency management directors to report impacts to the State Watch Office.

Other state efforts include:

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)

• In preparation for the storm, FDOT crews swept roadways, cleared drainage openings, and staged equipment for response.
• FDOT crews mobilized pumps to clear flooding on impacted lanes of I-95, Pembroke Road, US1, and SR A1A. Within hours, these facilities were cleared and are fully operational.
• Pumps were also deployed to address minor flooding within the Kinney Tunnel, which is now clear and fully operational.
• FDOT continues to be in communication with local agencies and provide necessary resource support as needed.
• FDOT team members are monitoring all roadways and working with Florida Highway Patrol to determine any necessary road closures.

   Current Road Conditions 

• As of 8:30 a.m., the State Highway System is open, including those portions of I-95 in Southeast Florida which were closed for flooding yesterday.
• Hallandale Beach Blvd. between US 1 & SR A1A has some lanes underwater and stalled vehicles but is passable.
• Stirling Rd at SW 11th Ave has turning lanes with standing water.

   Seaports

• All seaports are open and operational.
• Hallandale Beach Blvd. between US 1 & SR A1A has some lanes underwater and stalled vehicles but is passable.
• Stirling Rd at SW 11th Ave has turning lanes with standing water.

    Airports

• The following airports are OPEN:
  • Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International - Multiple taxiway closures for flooding. Multiple (50+) commercial flight delays and cancellations.
  • Key West International - Few (5+) commercial flight delays and cancellations reported.
  • Miami International – Multiple (50+) commercial flight delays and cancellations.
  • Orlando International - Few (5+) commercial flight delays and cancellations reported.
  • Palm Beach International - Airport open and operational, no cancellations and few delays.
  • Sarasota/Bradenton International - Runway 04/22 closed. Few (2) commercial flight delays reported.
  • Southwest Florida International - Few (5+) commercial flight delays and cancellations reported.

    Rail

• The following agencies are IMPACTED:
  • Brightline – Operations suspended from Aventura and Miami Station

    Transit

• The following agencies are IMPACTED:
  • Community shuttles in Hallandale Beach and Dania Beach, Davie and Lauderdale Lakes are suspended.
  • Broward County Transit is detouring one route.
  • LauderGo Micromover service is suspended.

Safety Messaging 

• FDOT reminds motorists to always check FL511 for real-time travel information, including road and bridge closures.
• Drivers should actively monitor their surroundings, especially during nighttime hours. Remember, motorists should treat intersections with non-working traffic signals as STOP signs in all directions then proceed with caution.

Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) 

• The Florida Highway Patrol is actively working with and coordinating response efforts with law enforcement and the Florida Department of Transportation in response to this flooding event.  
• FHP is engaged with all Florida counties that have requested assistance to support local flooding response efforts.
• FHP is actively patrolling affected areas impacted by flooding.
• FHP has removed abandoned vehicles along Interstate 95.
• FHP has staffed several road closures in affected areas.
• FHP’s deployed fixed-wing aircraft and unmanned aerial units are supporting and coordinating with FDOT to support recovery efforts while assessing roadway and traffic conditions within the impacted areas.
• The Florida Highway Patrol reminds motorists to use extreme caution. Motorists can report disabled vehicles or dangerous driving conditions to *FHP (*347). 

FloridaCommerce

• FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to the flooding in South Florida. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite flooding recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of affected businesses in any county located south of I-4. Businesses can complete the survey online by visiting FloridaDisaster.biz and selecting “South Florida Flooding” from the dropdown menu. 
• FloridaCommerce has activated the private sector hotline at 850-815-4925 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Inquiries may also be emailed to ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
• Updates on closures and business resources are consistently being updated at FloridaDisaster.biz/CurrentDisasterUpdates.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)

• FDLE’s emergency preparedness unit is activated at the State Emergency Operations Center and agents and analysts are ready to respond to the needs of law enforcement and communities impacted by Invest 90L.

The Office of Financial Regulation (OFR)

• The OFR issued a proclamation to financial institutions and securities professionals regarding Invest 90L – South Florida Flash Flooding.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) 

• FWC officers stand ready to assist with emergency response equipment and capabilities and are coordinating with state and local emergency management. 

Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is coordinating with Florida’s Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (FlaWARN) and other response agencies on the dispatch of generators, fuel and pump trucks that may be needed to assist drinking water and wastewater facilities in the impacted areas.
• The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is engaging local governments in Miami-Dade and Broward counties to support flood control efforts throughout the regional canal system. SFWMD is available to provide technical and other support to local governments and drainage operators, including deploying temporary pumps to alleviate localized flooding. The regional canal system is fully operational with no issues at this time.
• Currently, no Florida State Parks are closed. 

Florida Department of Education

• For the latest information from the Florida Department of Education regarding closures and re-openings of early learning providers, school districts and colleges, please visit fldoe.org/storminfo.

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

• As it becomes safe to do so, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) investigators are deploying to impacted areas to conduct damage assessments of licensed establishments by checking for structural damages and combatting unlicensed activity.

Agency for Health Care Administration 

• The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)has activated the Emergency Patient Look-Up System (E-PLUS). All users in affected counties were notified via email of system activation.
• AHCA has opened an event in the Health Facility Reporting System for the following counties: Hillsborough, Polk, Osceola, Orange, Seminole, Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Martin, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry, Collier, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties.
• AHCA will continue to monitor the weather and potential impacts to health care facilities.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

• The department is coordinating with Florida’s ports and fuel industry partners to ensure adequate fuel supplies are available across Florida.
• Fuel inspectors are responding to impacted areas to ensure retail fuel dispensers are working properly and testing the quality of fuel.
• Food safety inspectors are responding to impacted areas to conduct damage assessments and ensure the safe operation of permitted food establishments.
• The department is coordinating with agricultural partners to ensure those impacted have adequate resources and support. 

Florida State Guard 

• To support South Florida communities impacted by Invest 90L, the Florida State Guard is actively coordinating with the Florida Division of Emergency Management to prepare and deploy the following personnel and resources:
  • 14 personnel deployed from the Maritime Response Battalion to support the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission on assets to increase accessibility and render assistance to communities as needed.
  • 20 personnel from the Maritime Response Squadron and Crisis Response Battalion to include licensed U.S. Coast Guard Boat Captains and support crews to operate four shallow water vessels and two amphibious rescue vehicles to render humanitarian aid as needed.
  • 6 multipurpose vehicles to transport resources and supplies to the affected area.
  • 25 personnel on standby to assist in additional responses and recovery operations as needed.

Department of Elder Affairs

• The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) has been in communication with all the Area Agencies on Aging partners to address unmet needs, as necessary. For updates, visit 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.

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