West Palm Beach Prepares and Deploys Crews Ahead of Hurricane Milton

Published on October 07, 2024

October 7, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:              

Diane G. Papadakos, Director of Communications
City of West Palm Beach – Mayor’s Office
dpapadakos@wpb.org
(561) 822-1411 (TTY: 800-955-8771)

West Palm Beach Prepares and Deploys Crews Ahead of Hurricane Milton
Residents should clear swales and debris from properties now

WEST PALM BEACH, FL  — The City of West Palm Beach is taking measures to ensure storm and water management systems are ready for possibly heavy rains from Hurricane Milton. The storm is currently in the southwest Gulf of Mexico and forecast to track north and east toward Florida’s west coast. The forecast or precise track of Milton as it approaches Florida is uncertain but will make landfall as a major hurricane. At this time, we are not expecting hurricane conditions within the City of West Palm Beach areas; however, residents should prepare for significant rainfall and potentially tropical storm winds later this week. Impacts could include a major rain event of up to 10 inches that will result in localized flooding. 

Preparations of our storm and water management systems underway by the City’s Stormwater Drainage Division include:

• Clearing roadside litter and landscape debris in areas the City has prioritized as prone to flooding when the forecast calls for extensive periods of rainfall. 

• Cleaning and inspecting thousands of storm drains to remedy street flooding and ponding before they occur.

• Monitoring lake and canal levels.

In advance of Hurricane Milton, residents should prepare now. This includes:

• Removing sediment and debris from in and around swales. A properly maintained swale protects your home and your neighbor’s home by helping to prevent flooding and stormwater pollution by collecting excess rainwater.

• Keeping debris and yard waste away from storm drains to prevent blockages. If you see debris blocking a storm drain please pick it up.

• Composting or mulching your yard waste. Do not leave it in the street or sweep it into storm drains or waterways. Collect grass clippings with a lawnmower bag.

• Covering piles of dirt or mulch being stored for landscaping projects. These can become mobile during rain events and block drains.

Following heavy rains:

• Avoid flooded roads. If you see flooding on a road do not attempt to drive through it. Turn around and take an alternate route.

• During heavy rain events, avoid any unnecessary travel. Stay indoors until the heavy rains pass and avoid driving for a couple of hours after heavy rains have passed to allow time for road drainage.

• Be aware that swales and streets may take up to 48 hours to fully drain depending upon the amount of rain and how saturated the ground is. High tide may also impede storm water drainage in certain locations. 

To report flooding, please call the City of West Palm Beach Department of Utilities (561) 822-2244 (TTY 800 955-8771). For information about the City of West Palm Beach, please visit: https://www.wpb.org/.

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About The City of West Palm Beach

The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic City located on Florida's Atlantic coast. With a rich history, a thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region and the central City of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing waterfront City that seamlessly blends the business advantages available in the region with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working, making it an exceptional destination for both residents and professionals alike. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit us on our official website or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and/or LinkedIn.