MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – As Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava addressed residents on Monday, issuing a local state of emergency in preparation for potential impacts.
While the county remains outside the storm’s cone of concern, the mayor emphasized that significant weather threats, including tropical storm-force winds, heavy rainfall, and localized flooding, could begin as early as Tuesday night.
“We are working closely with the commission, cities, and schools to make sure we’re prepared for any impacts,” Levine Cava said during the press conference “Although Miami-Dade is not in the direct path, there’s still concern that this is a major storm. Likely impacts include rain, flooding, and tropical storm-force winds.”
Miami-Dade County has elevated its emergency operations to Level 2, and departments have mobilized to mitigate potential flooding by lowering canal levels.
As of Monday morning, all county services remain operational, and offices are open. However, Levine Cava urged residents to stay vigilant, noting that conditions could change as the storm approaches.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we’re announcing a voluntary evacuation of mobile home parks and medically vulnerable residents,” she said, adding that the county is taking proactive steps to protect those at higher risk.
County transit and other essential services, including Miami International Airport (MIA) and Port Miami, remain fully operational, but Levine Cava encouraged residents to check their flights for any potential delays or cancellations. Additionally, parks across the county are distributing sandbags to help residents protect their homes from potential flooding.
As Hurricane Milton makes its way across the Gulf of Mexico, Levine Cava also announced that Miami-Dade is sending support to the West Coast of Florida and areas in the Southeast still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
With overnight rains already causing water to pool in parts of the county, Miami-Dade residents are gearing up for potential flooding as Hurricane Milton approaches. Nine new sandbag distribution centers have opened today, allowing any county resident to pick up four sandbags to protect their property.
HELPFUL LISTS
Residents of the Biscayne Lakes Gardens Apartments in Aventura, a complex that has experienced severe flooding earlier this year, are taking no chances. Many are packing up and leaving ahead of the storm, fearing a repeat of the damage caused by previous floods.
At the complex, loud trucks could be heard cleaning out the storm drain system, including pump stations, in an effort to prevent another incident like the one in June. During that event, cars were totaled, and apartments were flooded with high water, leaving behind significant damage.
“This past June, the water was everywhere,” said one resident. “Behind my house, there’s a lake, and the storm surge caused it to rise and flood the area with all the rain.”
Residents are moving their cars to higher ground to avoid flood-prone areas. “We have anxiety. We’re not going to leave our cars here, that’s for sure,” one resident added.
Meanwhile, sandbag distribution sites across Miami-Dade County, including in North Miami Beach, are seeing high demand. “They want to be prepared against flooding,” said Robert Fandino of North Miami Public Works. “There’s no light, there’s no water, so they have to do something to protect their property.”
To collect sandbags in North Miami Beach, residents only need to show their ID with a city address, according to Sam Bernard of North Miami Public Works. One resident shared the growing sense of urgency: “Until it’s here, you don’t really think anything of it. But now that it’s coming, I’m starting to get very nervous.”
As Hurricane Milton nears, officials are reminding residents to help keep storm drains clear. “If you see debris, like plastic bags, blocking a drain, grab a broom, shovel, or gloves and try to remove it,” advised public works teams, emphasizing that unblocked drains are critical to minimizing flooding.
Miami-Dade is encouraging everyone to stay alert and take necessary precautions as the storm inches closer.
Miami-Dade Animal Services is also working to ensure pets are safe during the storm, and residents are encouraged to take precautions to secure their animals.
“We’re monitoring the situation closely and will continue to provide updates as needed,” Levine Cava said, urging residents to stay informed and prepared.
Local 10 News viewers will be able to watch the press conference in the link below.
Read the story in Spanish by clicking here.
FOR THE LATEST UPDATES, visit Local 10′s hurricane page, the weather page for the hourly local forecast, sign up for the free Talking Tropics newsletter and download the free tracker mobile app on the Apple Store or Google Play.
Read the story in Spanish by clicking here.