Flood Waters & Winds Cause Problems In Miami-Dade
DORAL (CBSMiami) – A day after Tropical Storm Isaac passed through the area, the rains from feeder bands kept coming over WMiami-Dade County leaving some areas under water.
Tony Echevarria had to take the long way around his apartment complex to avoid water so high it covered the wheels of some cars. "We're gonna need a canoe, or a raft," he joked, but added that this water can do serious damage. "If you are parked there and it goes into your tailpipe yes it will absolutely," he said. He says he's also concerned about frogs and snakes he sometimes sees in the standing water. "I'm very frustrated actually because this creates bugs, mosquitos," he said.
"Really, really bad, I mean it's like you have to jump over cars to get here," said Dee Hernandez of Doral. "So it's like you need a canoe. I mean a lifesaver and jump in the water, just walk through it. I just feel bad for the ones that have the low cars."
The rain and flood waters curtailed businesses in Doral and other areas around Miami-Dade County, but wasn't quite as severe as that in Broward County. Still, for business owners like Luisa Liccardo, the drop in business was noticeable.
"We haven't had many clients come, really that's the truth," Liccardo said.
Liccardo owns Tres Leches Factory, and she, like anyone who has driven through Doral after a rain storm, can tell you flooded streets are a common occurrence in the city.
"It would be nice if the city would come and take that water out," Liccardo said.
Doral crews were out after CBS4 called them to try to clear out the excess water. Doral Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez said his crews were working hard to clean up all over the city.
"Well, I think the permanent solution is what we're doing," Bermudez said. "We have actually improved a portion. When you have a microburst of this type, even in the best case scenario, we're gonna have a little bit of flooding."
But, for Doral it's the second major flood event this year.
In Sweetwater, the story was much the same as in Doral. Crews used emergency pumps to clear what looked like a lake filled with homes.
"The system is working perfect," Sweetwater mayor Manny Marono said. "All the pumps are working perfect. We got all the personnel out here making sure that we keep water out of the homes which was the objective of the pumps and so far, so good."
In South Miami, a home that had withstood dozens of hurricanes, including Andrew, was left damaged after Isaac moved through the area. High winds uprooted a tree next to the home and sent it straight into the side of the house, tearing off shingles and damaging the wall and roof of the home, which is listed as a historic site.
"With an historical site, it's difficult to restore them and fix them just to repair them because it's a historical site," said neighbor John Birk. "It's sad to see."
Isaac's high winds pushed trees down in Coconut Grove, one landing on a car with someone inside. The tree's collapse left La Playa Rd. blocked for hours.
Plus, across much of Miami-Dade County Isaac's high-winds snapped power lines and left FPL crews scrambling to get power restored as soon as possible. As of 5 p.m., more than 20,000 customers in Miami-Dade County were still without power due to Tropical Storm Isaac.
