Broward Preps For Tropical Storm Erika
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FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) -- Broward County is getting ready for the possible impacts of Tropical Storm Erika.
On Friday, various local leaders urged the public to be prepared but also reaffirmed the county's readiness in case the storm hits.
"Make sure plans are in place," said Broward Mayor Tim Ryan at a briefing in Plantation. "Whatever Erika may bring our way, by making preparations now we will be better prepared for any storms in our future."
Law enforcement even took the stage. This time reaffirming the public of plans in place meant to keep them safe.
"The Broward Sheriff's Office has never been better prepared," said BSO Sherriff Scott Israel. "We have an emergency plan in place…We are ready for whatever the storm brings."
Despite that, with forecasts showing the tropical storm possibly passing through Broward, Israel said to prepare.
"Pray for the best but prepare for the worst," said Israel. "Proper planning will make it safer for everyone."
Even if the storm does not pass directly over Broward, heavy rains and flooding are expected.
In preparation for that, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) said the district's pump stations, canals and monitoring equipment were ready to move any potential floor water.
Related: Dade Preps & Monitors Tropical Storm Erika
"What we'll do is take an accurate look at the track of the storm, potential rainfall and make the adjustments in the canals using pump stations and open gates. The objective is to move the water out into the ocean,"said SFWMD's Randy Smith.
SFWMD is drawing down the water in canals to create a "conveyance capacity in the system."
Early Friday morning, Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency for the state. All this a day after, he was urging Floridians to be prepared for possible impact.
Various cities and private businesses are also helping locals prepare by offering free sandbags in Broward and Miami-Dade County.
As for schools, both counties are monitoring the progress of the storm. Broward Schools said they will decided Saturday whether to close schools.
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