Hurricane Dorian Update
Friday, August 30, 2019 : Important Information On The Storm
This morning our Emergency Management Team convened to review our preparations and the latest updates on the storm. Hurricane Dorian is currently a Category 3 storm, with maximum sustained winds of 115 miles per hour.
As of now, South Florida is in the forecast track and the hurricane is expected to strengthen, potentially to a Category 4 by landfall. Our Emergency Operations Center is activated, where our Department of Emergency Management continues to closely monitor the storm.

It is critical to not underestimate the possible impacts of this storm and residents should prepare their homes now. The City is prepared for the worst and hoping for the best-- please don't assume that because the cone is so wide you can roll the dice and not prepare.

Please review our bilingual Miami Beach Hurricane Guide , which provides detailed information on how to be storm ready. Visit our website here for City-related updates.
All messages regarding school closures and evacuation orders will be issued by Miami-Dade County. At this time no evacuation orders have been issued.
FAQs regarding Storm Preparation:
I have received numerous calls, texts, and emails from residents with questions, most of which pertain to a handful of core concerns. Here are answers to those questions.
Sandbag Information

The City of Miami Beach will begin to distribute sandbags to Miami Beach residents tomorrow, Saturday August 31, from 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. Sandbags will be distributed at the Public Works Operation Yard, which is between Miami Beach High School and Fire Station 2 on Dade Boulevard.

Residents are required to show proof of residency via a government issued ID or utility bill. There will be a limit of 6 bags per household. Sandbags will also be distributed by the City on Sunday, September 1, at the Public Works Operation Yard beginning at 8 a.m. and continuing until weather deteriorates.

Sandbags and sand are also available at many local hardware stores. Please remember that it is prohibited to take sand from our beaches when preparing for the storm. The sand and dunes are the City's first line of defense against storm surge. After the storm, do not empty sand bags onto beaches or into drains.

Evacuation Orders and Reentry Process

Again, no evacuation has been ordered at this time. If an evacuation is ordered, the order will be issued by Miami-Dade County.

If the order is issued, a phased re-entry plan will be implemented. Residents will be allowed to reenter once it is safe.

Please monitor all news outlets and City social media channels and do not attempt to return to the city until you are instructed to do so.

Store Your Vehicle in City Garages

All City garages will open for residents to park free of cost during the storm, with the exception of the City Hall garage. Garages will open for residents at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow, August 31.

Flood Information

Miami Beach is experiencing minor flooding due to King Tides, and Hurrica ne Dorian will bring heavy rainfall and possible storm surge. Accordingly, the City’s pumping systems; water, wastewater, and stormwater have been tested and readied for the storm.

The City will be installing temporary pumps at 13 locations, and temporarily installing portable generators at 18 other locations to provide backup power to existing permanent pump stations. We nonetheless should expect to see some flooding due to the combination of King Tides and Hurricane Dorian's significant rainfall and potential storm surge.

Some tips to remember before the storm:

  • Locate your flood insurance policy to be ready in the case you may need to file a claim for damage.
  • Protect your building with flood barriers like sand bags and flood panels.
  • Elevate mechanical equipment and appliances, as able, if you anticipate that waters may enter areas such as your garage.
  • Avoid parking your vehicle in low lying areas- move it to higher ground, such as a parking garage.
  • Don’t litter. Keep public storm drains clear. Report issues to the Miami Beach e-gov app or call 305.604.CITY. 

Visit our City Flood Awareness web page for information on flood protection.

Report flooding in the City of Miami Beach eGov app or call 305.673.7625.

Bulk Pick-up Information

Please DO NOT put out any bulk waste, effective immediately. All previously scheduled bulk pick-ups today will be collected. Any new request will need to wait u ntil after the storm.

Register Seniors and any Vulnerable Populations

If you or someone you know requires skilled nursing care, has medical equipment that relies on electricity, needs assistance with daily living, or may need assistance evacuating from ANY disaster, it is important that you register them with the Miami-Dade County Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program.

Do not wait until an evacuation order is issued, click here to register or call 311 today . 

A list of evacuation centers can be found here . The City of Miami Beach continues to follow Miami-Dade County's direction in regards to evacuation procedures and updates.

For information on scheduled lane closures on FDOT construction projects that affect traffic to/from and in Miami Beach, please click here .
What else you can do to prepare:
Remove All Yard Decor

Remove all yard furniture and decor, including campaign signs, which is necessary to prevent projectiles during the hurricane from affecting your home or neighbor's home. The City is encouraging residents to take down these items now and only place them back after the storm has passed.

Store Water and Supplies

Store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day in sterilized sealable containers for drinking and cooking. Save enough water for 7-10 days.

Consult your doctor if you have a medical condition or are pregnant. If you take prescription medications you should also ensure you have a supply on hand.
Further Information on City Preparation:
Securing Construction Sites

All contractors have been instructed to secure their work zones in preparation for the storm, including securing construction cranes. The City Building Department visited all seven crane and hoist sites in the city on Tuesday, August 27 to have contractors begin preparing the cranes for high wind conditions and to perform a safety inspection. 

Stay Informed

To receive up-to-date information from the City before, during and after the storm, visit www.MBAlerts.com and text MBAlert to 888777. 

For questions and concerns regarding Miami Beach you can call 305.604.CITY.

Call 311 to connect with Miami-Dade County's call center for updated information. Use 911 for emergencies only.

Important Links






Hurricane Preparedness Video
 Watch our hurricane preparedness video below. We urge you to go over your disaster plan with your family. Reminder,  have a plan , build a kit and stay informed .
Again, the City is taking every precaution in preparing for the storm and we urge residents to do the same. Further updates will be issued as more information becomes available.

Please stay safe and be prepared.


Dan