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County is Under Tropical Storm Watch
  
- Eta expected to bring significant rain and strong winds -
  

BROWARD COUNTY, FL – Tropical Storm Eta continues on a northward track, increasing the likelihood of worsening weather conditions this weekend in Broward County.

Broward County is currently under a Tropical Storm Watch and a Flood Watch. Significant rain and strong wind gusts are anticipated and sustained tropical storm force winds are possible over the weekend, especially Sunday night and into Monday morning.

All COVID-19 test collection sites operated by the Florida Department of Health in Broward are closed through Monday, November 9. Updates to operating schedules will be posted as known. More…

Broward County has taken the following actions in response to Tropical Storm Eta:

  • The County has been under a Local State of Emergency and the Emergency Operations Center has been activated at a Level 2 since March 10, in response to COVID-19. It remains at a Level 2 activation.
  • No storm surge is anticipated, therefore no evacuation has been ordered and no shelters have been opened.
  • Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and North Perry Airport are operating normally, but passengers are urged to check with their airline to confirm flights as the storm approaches.
  • Broward County’s Port Everglades will be closed to ship traffic by midnight tonight, but petroleum trucks will continue making deliveries as long as road conditions are safe.
  • Broward County Transit and Paratransit will operate on their normal Saturday and Sunday schedules, but stay tuned to news reports for updates throughout the day. Normal operations will be suspended if sustained winds reach 39 miles per hour.

Residents of Broward County are advised to take precautions as necessary to protect property from rain and wind damage:

  • Bring in or secure patio furniture and loose objects from around your home.
  • Do not trim trees and vegetation at this time. Secure large items and loose tree trimmings until regular garbage and bulk waste pick-up service resumes.
  • Secure recycling and garbage bins to prevent them from being scattered during high winds.
  • Have cash on hand in case of power outages.
  • If you experience localized flooding, do not walk or drive into flooded areas. Water may be deeper than it appears, hiding debris and other hazards such as sharp objects, washed out road surfaces, electrical wires, chemicals, etc.

As weather conditions deteriorate, residents are encouraged to stay indoors. Do not go outside to assess damage to your home until the storm has completely passed, conditions are safe and the “all clear” has been given.

As soon the storm has passed, Rapid Impact Response Teams will survey damage on a grid-by-grid basis throughout the County, and coordinate resources for recovery.

In the immediate aftermath of the storm, residents can help first responders quickly identify areas of damage, even before damage assessment teams are able to canvass the County, by participating in the Home Damage Assessment Program. It is not necessary to report power outages. Florida Power & Light knows where the outages are and will move quickly to begin restoration.  

Follow us on Twitter.com/ReadyBroward, or visit Broward.org/Hurricane.

November 7, 2020
MEDIA CONTACT: 
Lori Shepard, Media Liaison
Office of Public Communications
954-357-6944 
lshepard@broward.org