Eta has strengthen overnight with a maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. The storm is currently moving to the northeast at 17 mph. Tropical storm force conditions are expected across South Florida as early as Sunday morning. South Florida remains under a Flood Watch and Wind Advisory. Sustained wind speeds throughout the Hollywood area may exceed 39 mph as early as Sunday afternoon.
Residents are advised to review their Storm Preparedness Plan, finalize preparations including securing loose items that could become airborne, and stay informed to trusted news providers like the National Weather Service Miami and the National Hurricane Center.
In Hollywood, the Department of Public Utilities' completed testing and refueling of the 14 auxiliary pumps and 7 permanent pumping stations in east Hollywood's low-lying neighborhoods. All pumps are operational. Crews are continuing to remove debris from 30-50 storm grates daily and vacuuming 8-10 drainage basins to ensure a clear path for storm water to flow.
Public Works crews continue to collect loose debris and have deployed barricades and signage in Hollywood's lowest-lying areas in preparation for the tropical storm. Residents should now wait to trim trees and landscaping until after Eta passes. With sustained winds, landscaping debris can go airborne and can also clog auxiliary pumps hindering flood mitigation efforts. Property owners should secure sanitation collection carts immediately after service.
The Hollywood Police Department and Hollywood Fire Rescue are ready to deploy high-profile vehicles when and where they are needed and City staff is activated and ready to respond.
Motorists are reminded to use caution, avoid traveling on flooded streets and to not drive around barricades. Health officials are also reminding the public to avoid wading through standing water and to prohibit children from play in flooded streets.
