Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order, declaring a state of emergency in 35 Florida counties, including Miami-Dade and Broward, ahead of the approach of Tropical Storm Milton.
Los condados incluidos son: Miami-Dade, Broward, Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Condados de Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter y Volusia.
The order mentions that on October 5, 2024, Tropical Storm Milton formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to rapidly intensify into a hurricane early Monday, potentially becoming a major hurricane upon making landfall in the west coast of Florida next week.
“There is an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge and wind impacts beginning Tuesday and Wednesday, and heavy rain is forecast across Florida, especially impacting Gulf Coast communities still recovering from the storm. Hurricane Helene,” the order mentioned.
It was also indicated that rainfall totals could reach four to twelve inches, exacerbating flooding risks due to already saturated soil.
“This severe weather can cause power outages, damage to infrastructure, and hamper recovery efforts from previous storms. As Governor of Florida, I am committed to addressing the dangers posed by this emergency,” the governor said in the statement.
Distribution of sand bags
Several cities in South Florida are offering sandbag collection events for their residents. Below we give you information about some of the cities that have published information about their collection points and schedules.
Miami Gardens
The City of Miami Gardens declared a state of emergency for the city in “anticipation of potential impacts associated with Tropical Storm Milton.”
Sandbags will be distributed on Sunday, October 6 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Miami Gardens residents should pick up their sandbags behind the City Hall parking lot located at 18601 NW 27th Ave, Miami Gardens, Fl 33056.
These sandbags are for city residents only. An identification card is required to collect the bags and you can only take a maximum of 7 bags per home.
Please note that it will be served on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies last.
North Lauderdale
The City of North Lauderdale will be handing out sandbags to its residents on Sunday, October 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Residents will be able to take 6 bags per person and must provide proof of identification with a North Lauderdale address to be served.
North Miami Beach
North Miami Beach residents will be able to pick up sandbags on Sunday from 8 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm at 1965 NE 151st Street, North Miami Beach, Fl 33162.
Like the rest of the resident cities, they must show a valid identification document.
South Florida Schools
Miami-Dade and Broward public schools have not yet canceled classes for this coming Monday. But both counties are monitoring the situation and will be providing more information as time goes by and as necessary.