Hurricane Dorian Update
Saturday, August 31, 2019 : Important Information On The Storm
Hurricane Dorian remains a very dangerous Category 4 storm, and continues to strengthen with maximum sustained winds of 150 miles per hour. The 11:00 a.m. National Hurricane Center report forecast Dorian to move northward as it closely approaches the east coast of Florida early this week. 

This 11:00 a.m. report, significantly, also moved Miami-Dade County out of the cone of probability. Accordingly, at this time we do not expect hurricane force winds with the attendant level of hurricane storm surges.

That said, we expect late tomorrow there will be stormy weather and flooding typical with high (King) tides, and possible scenarios where we experience tropical storm conditions. Accordingly, the City will calibrate our current response to these updates and conditions but not let down our guard -- and neither should you.
All messages regarding school closures and evacuation orders will be issued by Miami-Dade County. At this time no evacuation orders have been issued by the County .
FAQs regarding Storm Preparation:
I'm continuing to receive numerous calls, texts, and emails from residents with questions, most of which pertain to a handful of core concerns. Here are updated answers to those questions.
Sandbag Information

Sandbags will continue to be distributed today, and tomorrow morning as some in our religious communities were unable to obtain them today. Even if you don't use the sandbags for this storm event, like all hurricane supplies it's a good idea to keep them for the remainder of hurricane season (November 30).

After the storm, please remember not to dispose of the sand on to our beaches or into storm drains.

South Beach Location

Public Works Operation Yard
451 Dade Boulevard (between Miami Beach Senior High and Fire Station 2)

Open Saturday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. until the weather deteriorates or the sand supply runs out.

This site has a machine that fills sandbags and we encourage everyone that can use this location to do so if possible.

North Beach Location

The Parking Lot at 80 Street and Collins Avenue - the entrance is on 81 Street.

Open Saturday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. until the weather deteriorates or the sand supply runs out.

At this location, individuals will be required to fill their own own bags. The City will have bags and shovels available.

Store Your Vehicle in City Garages

We will still make City garages available for storage for residents' vehicles. Garages opened at 8 a.m. today for residents to park free of cost. For a full list of parking garages, click here.

Please note the following exceptions:

5 Street and Alton Garage shall be open at 8 a.m. tomorrow, September 1.

Refrain from parking at restricted (posted) parking spaces at the City Hall garage.

Please park in marked parking stalls only. Illegally parked vehicles are subject to enforcement actions, including impoundment.

Parks and Beaches

City parks and beaches will remain open with normal operating hours today. Any exceptions will be listed on our city website here .

Evacuation Orders

Again, no evacuation has been ordered at this time and it is unlikely unless conditions change dramatically that one will be ordered. If circumstances change and an evacuat ion is ordered, the order will be issued by Miami-Dade County.

Flood Information

Miami Beach is still experiencing minor flooding due to King Tides, and we expect Hurrica ne Dorian will bring, at a minimum, 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 is 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 could 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. All previously scheduled bulk pick-ups today are being collected. Any new request must wait until 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 .

Medical Conditions and Concerns

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.

Trolley

The City of Miami Beach trolley service is currently operational and will remain so unless sustained winds appear likely to reach 39 mph. Service would then resume operation as soon as the winds subside.

For more information on this service, please contact the trolley customer service line at: 305.673.7117. For information on Miami-Dade County transit service, contact 311 . 
Further Information:
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.

If you would like to get a hold of our Resident Information Center, please call 305.604.CITY (2489). Use 911 for emergencies only.

Important Links






Clearly, from our perspective, the recent updates have brought improved forecasts. Notwithstanding, we should not exhale and assume we will spared hazardous weather. There remain many unknowns, and there is always the possibility that the storm will jog south. So please stay vigilant and listen to your local news and City updates.  

Our prayers are with the residents of the Bahamas as they gird themselves for this very dangerous storm. 


Dan