South Florida cities declare states of emergency ahead of heavy rain and Hurricane Milton

FORT LAUDERDALE — As South Florida expects periods of heavy rain on Sunday and Hurricane Milton strengthens, some areas are already seeing flooding and taking the necessary precautions to prepare.

Local states of emergency

Across South Florida, some cities have begun to declare states of emergency ahead of the heavy rain and Milton.

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez declared a state of emergency for the city due to the potential effects of Hurricane Milton.

The City of Hollywood declared a state of emergency ahead of Sunday’s conditions and people are bracing for severe weather. 

Hollywood also announced that parking fees will be waived in city-operated parking garages starting at 8 a.m. Sunday on a first-come, first-served basis. These are the following garages open to assist residents:

• Garfield Garage, 300 Connecticut St.
• Nebraska Garage, 327 Nebraska St.
• Van Buren Garage, 251 S. 20th Ave.
• Radius Garage, 251 N. 19th Ave.

There will also be a free sandbag distribution event for Hollywood residents on a first-come, first-served basis at the following locations:

• Jefferson Park, 1501 Jefferson St.
• Rotary Park, 3150 Taft St.
• Driftwood Community Center, 3000 N. 69th Ave.

The City of Miami Gardens has also declared a state of emergency and announced a sandbag distribution event at City Hall for Sunday between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. while supplies last.

The City of Hallandale Beach was the third municipality to declare a state of emergency on Saturday evening, urging its residents and businesses to take “immediate precautions.”

On Sunday evening, the City of Coral Gables declared a state of emergency ahead of Milton’s landfall.

North Lauderdale held a DIY sandbag giveaway event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday for all of its residents that were free of charge. There is a six-bag limit per person and they can be obtained at Pompano Park at 4001 Bailey Rd.

Fort Lauderdale has sandbag distribution events from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday and Monday at three locations:

• Floyd Hull Stadium, 2800 SW 8th Ave.
• Mills Pond Park, 2201 NW 9th Ave.
• Shirley Small Park, 1230 SW 34th Ave.

North Miami Beach had a sandbag distribution event from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at 1965 NE 151st., limiting four per household.

The City of North Miami will have a sandbag distribution event on Monday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following location:

• North Miami Motor Poul, 1855 NE 142nd St.

North Miami is only allowing residents six bags per household.

The City of South Miami is distributing sandbags for Hurricane Milton from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday at the Public Works Yard at 4795 SW 75th Ave.

Oakland Park held a sandbag distribution event on Sunday until 4 p.m. at the Public Works Facility at 3801 NE 5th Ave.

Miami Beach has not yet declared a state of emergency but shared on X that residents and local business employees can park in most public garages at no cost starting 11 a.m. Sunday until tentatively 8 a.m. Thursday.

The City of Miami Beach will also hold two free sandbag distribution events from 8 a.m. to 2 p.,m. at the following locations:

• 2100 Collins Ave.
• 225 79th St.

Pembroke Pines has sandbag distribution events from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday and Monday at 8300 W. Cypress Dr., limiting to five bags per household.

Opa-Locka will also distribute sandbags between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday at the Public Works and Utilities Department at 12950 NW 42nd Ave. while supplies last.

Miami-Dade County will also host several sandbag distribution sites starting at 7 a.m. on Monday and will remain open until supplies last. Residents can receive up to four bags per household.

Residents prepare for the worst

With more rain and Milton heading toward Florida, people are nervous.  

On Saturday morning, CBS News Miami saw Hollywood residents waking up to floodwaters and trying to navigate through it. Hollywood Police announced street closures due to the weather, mainly in the area of Sheridan Street.

With morning rain causing the flooding, residents are worried about the coming days.

“I live completely on the other end and I tried in that way and I couldn’t, so I’m hoping it dissipates so I can at least get home,” said Debbie Andersen.

“I already got all my stuff ready to go,” added Michael Sloan. “I got sandbags in a little wagon ready — waiting to be pulled in the place. I got my wall units already, [and] screws put in place. So, all I got to do is put them up and I’m sealed.”

The police is urging people driving in these conditions to slow down, stay focused and increase the distance between themselves and the car in front of them.