Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, National Weather Service Officials, Commissioners, and the Chief of Public Safety provided a press conference with updates on the flood emergency in the Miami-Dade County area.

On Tuesday 06/11/2024, rainfall started with it peaking on Wednesday 06/12/2024 with 20 inches falling at that time causing major flooding. The area hardest hit was in the Northeast area of the County.

According to the National Weather Service, there will be an additional thunderstorm bringing 4 to 8 inches and up to 10 inches of rain Thursday evening into Friday evening. The flooding was caused by a stalled rain and storm system that provided a month longs rain in a short time period.

The mayor advised even thou some flooding has subsided slightly in some areas; this additional rain will cause further issues. The mayor has several departments working around the clock to keep everyone safe. They are attempting to reduce flooding in hot spots, and prepare water and sewage pumps, and other infrastructure for the flood and additional flooding.

The mayor requests every resident to stay indoors and avoid driving through flooded streets. The mayor said, “turn around don’t drown.” “6 inches of water can knock over an adult and 2 feet of water can carry most vehicles away” the mayor said. They warned to be vigilant of any downed power lines and to call the Florida Light and Power Company at 305-442-8770 to report any downed lines. The mayor also said to call 311 to report flooding and to not call 911 unless it is an immediate emergency.

The Mayor asked that residents decrease water usage, especially in the morning and evenings as this helps control sewage system overflow. You should also keep all manhole covers closed as they don’t want wastewater to enter the sewage system or for sewage water to enter the streets and bays. They do have vac trunks ready if they will need to be used.

Chief of Public Safety Officer James Reyes advised to not let your children play outside, even in residential areas as there are many canals that are flooded and expected to get worse with the incoming storm.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a State of Emergency for Southern Florida that started Wednesday evening.

The flooding has caused 411 flight delays and 367 flight cancellation at Miami International Airport.

They Mayor and other Officials will continue to keep everyone updated on the emergency flood situation.