The National Hurricane Center (NHC) continues to monitor the development of a tropical system northeast of the Yucatan Peninsula. The NHC is now forecasting the storm will become Tropical Storm Alex by 1 p.m. on Friday. South Florida and the Hollywood area are now under a Tropical Storm Warning. The system is moving in a northeasterly direction into the warm waters of the northwestern Caribbean Sea and eventually the Gulf of Mexico. On the forecast track, the system should move across the southeastern Gulf of Mexico through Friday night, and then move across the southern and central portions of the Florida Peninsula on Saturday.
Regardless of tropical development, the Hollywood area is under a flood watch advisory and is expected to experience periods of heavy rain and wind gusts today and over the weekend. With ground saturation following recent heavy rains, there is a potential for localized street flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and portions of Hollywood east of US-1 between Pembroke Road and Sheridan Street. Beach erosion is also a possibility. Residents are encouraged to monitor trusted news providers like the National Weather Service Miami and the National Hurricane Center for the latest information.
Parking Fees Suspended in City-operated Garages
To assist Hollywood residents who live in low-lying areas, from 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 3 to noon on Sunday, June 5, parking fees will be waived in the four City garages. Hollywood residents can park their personal vehicles in the garages on a first come, first served basis beginning at 10:00 a.m. today. Proof of Hollywood residency will be required. No commercial trucks or fleet vehicles will be allowed. All vehicles must be parked legally in marked spaces, any vehicles parked illegally or blocking other vehicles will be ticketed and could be towed.
Pumps Deployed and Storm Drains Cleared
To prepare for the impacts of significant rainfall, the City of Hollywood Public Utilities Department has been working to clear storm drains, check stationary pumps and deploy auxiliary pumps in areas prone to flooding. Residents who are able can assist by ensuring that storm drains near their homes remain cleared throughout the weekend.
Flood Safety Tips
- Call 911 if flood damage to your home has created an emergency situation such as a fire.
- Motorists should not attempt to drive through flooded areas.
- Use caution with electrical appliances, electrical cords and outlets if floodwaters have entered your home.
- Residents should not go outside or wade in standing flood water, which can contain contaminants. Following a heavy storm, sharp debris and other items from overturned garbage bins could be hidden in the water and cause injury. Standing water also may contain harmful bacteria that could cause infection.
- Health officials remind the public to not let children or pets play in flood water.
- Residents should prepare to notify their homeowner’s insurance providers if they have experienced flood damage and seek their advice on documenting the damage and drying out your home. The same applies for contacting your vehicle insurance provider if you find your vehicle has been damaged.
Sign Up for Alert Hollywood Emergency Notifications
The City of Hollywood has launched a new emergency notification system called Alert Hollywood. Used by many government agencies throughout Florida, Alert Hollywood notifies residents through phone calls, e-mails and/or text messages to mobile phones of an emergency in the community such as a hurricane watch or warning, flash flood warning, tornado warning, serious police situations and other critical incidents.
SIGN UP for Alert Hollywood - on the registration page, click on the "Sign Up" link lo