The Miami Beach Fire Department's Division of Emergency Management is actively monitoring Hurricane Milton, which continues to slowly move eastward across the Gulf of Mexico as it intensifies.

The system has strengthened into a Category 5 hurricane. It is moving across the Gulf and is expected to make landfall on the west coast of Florida on Wednesday evening. Miami Beach may experience Tropical Storm force winds and heavy rainfall starting on Tuesday night.

A Flood Watch remains in effect for all of South Florida through the morning of Thursday, October 10.

For real-time weather updates, please visit the National Weather Service's website or the National Hurricane Center's website. You can also follow NWS Miami on Facebook or X.

Please visit www.miamibeachfl.gov/stormready for city updates.

Free Sandbag Distribution

The City of Miami Beach will be hosting another free sandbag distribution event tomorrow, October 8 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at two surface parking lot locations: 2100 Collins Avenue (east of Collins Park) and 225 79 Street.

Sandbags will be pre-filled and there is a limit of 4 per household, while supplies last and weather permitting. Residents are required to show proof of residency via a government-issued ID or utility bill.

As a reminder, only dry sandbags can be stored for reuse. Sandbags exposed to floodwaters may have come into contact with contaminants or pollutants and should be disposed of with care. After a flooding event, please place used sandbags curbside during the city-announced pickup period. Do not empty sandbags onto beaches or into drains. Remember, taking sand from our beaches is prohibited. The sand and dunes are the city’s first line of defense against storm surge. 

Closures and Cancellations

Meetings:

• The Marine and Waterfront Protection Authority Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 8 at 9 a.m. has been canceled.

Events:

• The Miami Beach Police Department's Night Out event scheduled for Tuesday, October 8 at 5 p.m. has been canceled.

Facilities:

• The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is open, but all events scheduled for Tuesday, October 8 and Wednesday, October 9 have been canceled.

Trash Pick Up

All residential trash collection remains as scheduled until further notice.

Tree Trimming

Please do NOT perform landscaping or tree trimming that will create additional debris. Any landscaping debris must be removed prior to tropical storm force winds affecting our area.

Do not leave piles of debris on sidewalks or squalls to be picked up. Residents may dispose of any debris in the trash or at the city’s Green Waste Facility, 2800 Meridian Avenue, Monday - Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Landscapers must dispose of yard waste at a county or state approved facility.

Remove Outdoor Furniture and Debris

Please remove all outdoor furniture, decor and yard waste. This is necessary to prevent projectiles during a storm from affecting your home or neighbor's homes. The city is encouraging residents to take down these items now and only place them back after storm conditions have passed.

Sidewalk Café Closures

Sidewalk cafés are required to remove all outdoor dining furniture in the city's right-of-way by the end of their business day tomorrow, October 8.

How to Prepare for a Storm

Make sure to review your emergency plan with members of your household. Visit our hurricane preparedness webpage for tips on how to stay safe during a storm.

Register Vulnerable Populations

Is there someone in your family who is unable to evacuate on their own? Maybe they're elderly or have special needs. We encourage you to have them sign up for the Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP) provided by Miami-Dade County. Do not wait until an evacuation order is issued, register now at www.miamidade.gov/fire/eeap.asp or call 311.

Bridge Lockdowns

Miami-Dade County and the United States Coast Guard are planning to begin locking down bridges as early as 12 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8.

Parking Garages Open to Residents and Employees of Miami Beach Businesses

The Miami Beach Parking Department has opened public garages for residents and employees of Miami Beach businesses wishing to keep their cars out of flood-prone areas.

Residents and employees of Miami Beach businesses can park vehicles at no cost now until Thursday, October 10 at 12 p.m. Proof of residency or employment when exiting the parking facility is required. Non-residents may use any available city parking garage, however, standard rates still apply.  

Available Parking Garages:

200 7 Street

512 12 Street

1301 Collins Avenue

1557 Washington Avenue

640 17 Street

1661 Pennsylvania Avenue

1900 Bay Road

340 23 Street

400 West 42 Street

The garages at the Miami Beach Convention Center (1901 Convention Center Drive), 5 Street & Alton Road (550 Lenox Avenue), and City Hall (1755 Meridian Avenue) will not be included.

In the event the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a Flash Flood Warning or Flash Flood Emergency for Miami Beach, the city’s two approved towing companies — Beach Towing and Tremont Towing — will offer a $50 towing service for any Miami Beach resident whose vehicle was impacted by flooding to any location within city limits. Residents must provide proof of residency and their vehicle registration address must match their driver’s license.

City Efforts

Our Public Works stormwater team has been cleaning the entire storm drain system, including pump stations. The team is prepared to respond to any reports of flooding as quickly as possible. Temporary pumps have been deployed in low-lying areas and vactor trucks are available to assist with removing standing water and cleaning stormwater structures. In addition to our existing stormwater infrastructure, which includes 48 permanent pump stations, additional resources are available around the clock for the next several days.

Learn more about why extreme rain events cause flooding and how rainfall drains through our pump systems.

Storm Drains

Help alleviate flooding in your neighborhood! While our Public Works team cleans our stormwater system every year — with some drains being cleaned on a quarterly basis — you can do your part to keep storm drains clear of litter and debris to prevent flooding and protect Biscayne Bay.

If you notice a catch basin near your home gathering debris, lend a helping hand. Grab a broom, shovel or a pair of gloves and take a few minutes to remove any debris such as palm fronds, leaves or other yard waste that may block the drain. This simple act can ensure our drainage systems remain operational during a rain event.