Tropical Depression 16 (a/k/a Tropical Storm Nicole) Approaches - Update #3

UPDATE #3 FROM BROWARD COUNTY:

The Tropical Storm Warning for Broward County has been discontinued; however, a Flood Watch continues to be in effect until 8 p.m. this evening, according to the National Weather Service. Inland flooding from heavy rains remains a primary concern for emergency officials. The Broward County Emergency Operations Center is continuously monitoring Tropical Storm Nicole and is coordinating communication with all 31 cities in Broward.

At this time there are no reports of significant flooding that impact commerce or transportation. The business operations at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport are running normally. Some airlines have reported minor flight delays. Travelers can check flight status for the airlines servicing the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport at www.broward.org/airport. Businesses at Port Everglades are continuing as normal today, under the requirements established by the U.S. Coast Guard for severe weather. Cruise passengers should check with their cruise lines for possible schedule changes.

Residents are cautioned to use care when traveling and to continue to monitor local radio and television news reports for updates. Residents can call the Broward County Call Center at 954-831-4000 or 3-1-1, follow Broward County at Twitter.com/ReadyBroward or subscribe to the County's Hurricane Update eMail System by visiting www.broward.org/hurricane.


OLDER POSTS FROM BROWARD COUNTY:

As Tropical Depression 16 has approached South Florida, Broward County has been placed under a Tropical Storm Warning and Flood Watch by the National Weather Service. The Flood Watch is effective as of 4:00 p.m. today. Broward County Emergency Management Division is actively monitoring the situation and will issue advisories as conditions warrant.

A Tropical Storm Warning means there is a potential for tropical storm conditions within 36 hours. A Flood Watch means that the potential exists for significant flooding affecting property.

The anticipated impact of this system is expected to be torrential rainfall and the potential for significant flooding, with the possibility of tropical storm force winds over parts of the area. Residents should prepare for the potential of significant flooding tonight and Wednesday. Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live, but especially if you live in a low-lying area or near water.

Before the Storm Safety Tips

•Secure or bring inside all lawn furniture and other outside objects that could become a projectile in high winds.
•Secure loose items that could impede water drainage (such as trash receptacles). Clear catch basins, drain covers and swale areas of debris.
•As winds increase, remember that vehicles in tow and high-profile vehicles such as trucks, vans, SUVs, or when towing a trailer, are more prone to being pushed or flipped by high wind gusts.
•Contact your cruise line or airline if you have questions about your travel plans.

Residents are urged to stay tuned to television and radio to keep up-to-date with advisories on Tropical Storm Nicole. To stay informed, residents can follow Broward County at Twitter.com/ReadyBroward.

For information on preparedness, visit www.broward.org/hurricane. Residents can also visit the newly launched all hazards preparedness initiative http://www.readysouthflorida.org/. The Web site provides tips on how to develop an emergency plan for the home and business, create an emergency kit and be informed during a disaster. It is available in English, Spanish and Creole.

FROM THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL:

We are currently under a Tropical Storm Warning which means we will be feeling Tropical Storm effects within the next 36 hours. (For which we are 12 hours into)

Cuyler and Herb Johnson have been coordinating with SFWMD officials regarding canal levels. We will need to continue to monitor throughout the day and evening for any changes. All of our pump stations and flood control infrastructure has been inspected and tested as of this morning.

Current forecast model tracks put the Tropical Storm Center along the coast at the Broward Co./Palm Bch Co. line at 8:00 PM Wednesday evening.

Summary From Broward Emergency Management Agency regarding NOAA Conference Call this morning:

· As of 4:00 AM this morning, the NWS issued a FLOOD WATCH for Broward, Miami-Dade, Collier and mainland Monroe. The FLOOD WATCH is in effect from 4:00 PM this afternoon until 2:00 PM Wednesday.

· Tropical development likely south of Florida today. Possible transition to "hybrid" system as it passes near South Florida late tomorrow or early Thursday.

· Regardless of what type of system impacts our area, the main threat for South Florida continues to be torrential rainfall and potential for significant flooding.

· Rainfall Forecasts: Model forecasts and human-adjusted forecasts suggest 2-day average rainfall amounts of 3-5 inches over eastern parts of South Florida from 8:00 AM Tuesday to 8:00 AM Thursday, with 2-3 inches over western parts.

· This type of weather pattern favors development of heavy rain bands which could produce even higher rainfall values.

· The Broward EOC is at a Level 3 which means that EMD is actively monitoring and assessing the situation.

Impacts

· Flooding: Significant flooding entering structures is possible, especially in historically flood-prone areas.

· Timing: Tuesday evening through Wednesday night.

· Present indications are that the SE Florida metro areas may be more likely to see greatest flood potential.

· A FLOOD WATCH means that the potential exists for significant flooding affecting property.

· Tornado threat may be higher than normal, but right now is not a primary concern for NWS.

· Wind: Potential for Tropical Storm force winds Wednesday afternoon/evening over parts of area.

At this time, Public Schools in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade Counties are schedule to be open. Schools will continue to monitor and update. In Broward County, you should check with http://www.browardschools.com/ for the most current information.

We will continue to monitor very closely any forecast changes. Broward Emergency Operation Center has not taken any actions as of yet except to coordinate NOAA conference calls. Updates from the City will be sent out through this system as warranted.

Update: Flooding conditions throughout the night, and thankfully, the city did not have any significant problems to report. However, the forecast still call for heavy rain and wind up to 40 mph until tomorrow afternoon. 4-8 inches of rain is expected. No cancellations of any events are anticipated.