Tropical Storm Warning: Parking Garages Will Open at 5 p.m.

Parking Garages Will Open Today at 5 p.m.

A Tropical Storm Warning and Flood Watch are in effect through Thursday evening. Residents can pick up sandbags today from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Tropical Storm Helene

The Miami Beach Fire Department's Division of Emergency Management is actively monitoring Tropical Storm Helene, which is currently entering the Gulf of Mexico.

Miami Beach is now under a Tropical Storm Warning, and a Flood Watch is currently in effect through Thursday evening. There is a possibility that Miami Beach will experience periodic heavy rain and winds in excess of 39 mph beginning this evening.

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

View our webpage for more information on understanding flood alerts.

Parking Garages Will Open to Residents and Employees of Miami Beach Businesses

The Miami Beach Parking Department will open 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 starting today at 5 p.m. through Friday, September 27 at 8 a.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.

Free Sandbag Distribution

The City of Miami Beach will be hosting another free sandbag distribution event today, September 25 from 1 p.m. to 4 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. 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.

City Efforts

In anticipation of the rainfall, 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 are deployed in low-lying areas, and vacuum trucks are prepared to assist with removing standing water and cleaning stormwater structures in the event it is needed. 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.

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.

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.

Floodwater Safety Tips

Learn more at www.miamibeachfl.gov/flood-awareness.

Do not walk through floodwaters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. There may be hazards like pollutants and debris that are not visible in the water.
Avoid driving through floodwaters for your safety and to prevent vehicle damage.
Don’t speed — waves worsen flooding effects in neighborhoods.
Do not use hazard lights while driving. Use them only when stopped.
Road closures may occur as a result of flooding. Sign up for our traffic and emergency updates by texting MBAlert to 888777.
Wash your car thoroughly if it comes into contact with floodwaters, including the undercarriage. Floodwaters are high in salinity and could damage your vehicle.
To prevent water from backing up in a dwelling, decrease water use during heavy rains. Avoid flushing toilets, running dishwashers and washing machines. Take shorter showers, use less water in the bathtub and turn off sprinklers.
Be sure to have a current flood insurance policy for your home or business. It is required for most properties and encouraged for all.
Protect your property by investing in flood risk mitigation, such as using flood-resistant materials, elevating major appliances and raising your home.

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.

Stay Connected

Listen to local radio and television stations for the latest weather updates.
Text MBAlert to 888777 to receive emergency and traffic notifications via text.
Follow the city on Facebook, Nextdoor and X for real-time city updates.
If this email was forwarded to you, subscribe to future email alerts at miamibeachfl.gov/subscriptions.
Learn more flood safety tips at www.miamibeachfl.gov/flood-awareness

Report Flooding

If you come across any flooding that obstructs access or causes damage to public or private property, please report it to our 24/7 Public Works Control Room by calling 305.673.7625, using the Miami Beach Gov app or emailing flooding@miamibeachfl.gov.