Broward residents concerned over repeat of last April's historic flooding
FORT LAUDERDALE - Seemingly incessant rain made for difficult driving conditions during most of the day and evening in Broward County.
The amount of heavy rain had flooded some streets in parts of the county.
A Flood Watch remained in effect for South Florida through Thursday morning.
Fort Lauderdale has taken steps since its last flood event in April, when it got 20 inches of rain over the course of a few hours, to try and handle the flooding problem.
Drainage pumps have been set up in several neighborhoods along with infrastructure to help deal with flooding, not only from the rain but also the seasonal king tides. It's part of a $500 million mitigation project.
Neighbors said after last April's historic flooding, they are worried it could happen again before the improvements are complete.
"We got flooded out. The whole neighborhood was covered in water. We literally opened up our window and paddle-boarded," said Brandon Mercado. "Since they started the construction, for whatever reason, it's flooded even more."
Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Chief Stephen Gollan said Tuesday night during rush hour there was some standing water on the northern end of the city. However, overnight the rain subsided the storm drains were able to dry things out.
"We are expecting more rain and heavier rain Wednesday. We would like to urge residents to clean out the storm drains in front of their homes. Make sure debris is staying out it and that you have good water movement through them,' he said.
Gollan said also to take a little extra time.
"We know in rainy weather it will take longer to get places. If you take extra time getting there now, you're not going to be as fast or as rushed on the roadways, and that will prevent some of the accidents we often see," he said.
"It's dangerous just to drive with a lot of wetness on the road," said resident Dawn Belmar.
Gollan said that inevitably there is going to be standing water with the amount of rain forecast for Wednesday into Thursday.
"If you cannot see the roadway, do not assume the roadway is still there. Turn around, don't go in that direction, and seek out an alternative route. We also see a lot of accidents on I-95 during conditions like this with cars losing control and going into the wall. If they slow down a little bit and take
some extra time, it can keep accidents like that from happening," he said.
Gollan said they've made preparations and have extra crews standing by in case they are needed.
"Both ourselves and the Fort Lauderdale police department have high water vehicles and we staffing on those vehicles for the next 24 hours or as long as needed. Those vehicles will be out in the neighborhoods as we check to see the amount of water in those neighborhoods. The purpose of the vehicles is to respond should the water get to a level that is more challenging for our normal vehicles to get to," said Gollan.
Gollan said the key takeaway is for residents to play it safe and leave a little extra to get where they are going.
In the vein of keeping things safe, Broward County Public Schools canceled after-school activities and all evening classes. After-school child care was not canceled and parents were urged to pick up their children as soon as possible. The district will return to normal operations on Thursday.
