MIAMI-DADE COUNTY – A tropical storm warning and hurricane watch are still in effect for Miami-Dade County. Residents should be prepared for strong winds and prolonged rainfall beginning Tuesday afternoon. Homeowners still have some time to put up shutters and fill gas tanks; but are being urged not to trim trees or pile debris.
Miami-Dade County Schools and Courts will be closed Tuesday, August 29th and Wednesday, the 30th. Miami-Dade County Offices are closed Tuesday. Metrorail and Metrobus are operating on a reduced schedule and parking at Metrorail Stations is free of charge. Highway tolls have been suspended and bridges have been locked in position.
Mandatory evacuations for mobile homes, low lying areas and other structures considered unsafe began at 7 a.m. on Tuesday. Residents in these locales should make arrangements to stay with family or friends until the storm is over. Designated shelters should be a last resort. For all other areas in Miami-Dade County, evacuations are voluntary.
Metrorail and Metrobus are operating on a reduced schedule. Residents may leave their cars at Metrorail parking garages and parking lots free of charge. Regular garbage pick-up will continue until the weather deteriorates. Trash and recycling centers are also open.
Tolls will be suspended and bridges locked down at 8 am Tuesday morning.
Early voting has been suspended.
At construction sites throughout the County, contractors have been notified to pick up debris, remove potential flying objects and secure locations as best as possible.
Residents or visitors with travel plans should contact their agents or carriers for updates.
The approach of Tropical Storm Ernesto is a signal for residents to have hurricane plans in place and supplies in order, so families can be self-sufficient for the first 72 hours after the storm. Residents should now take the following actions:
• Fill gas tanks. Lines are long, but patience and consideration are essential.
• Put up shutters and remove loose object from the yard.
• Do not trim trees and do not pile debris outside of your home at this time.
Mayor Alvarez is in contact with FEMA Director David Paulison. The following preparations have been pre-arranged:
• 70 trucks of water and Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) are at the Homestead Air Force Base.
• 50 more trucks are in Jacksonville.
• More than 720 trucks of ice in the southeast United States are ready to be deployed.
• 2 medical teams of more than 35 doctors and nurses are on standby in Orlando and an additional 11 teams are on standby outside of the storm cone.
While residents are strongly urged to have supplies on hand to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours after the storm, food and water distribution points will be announced soon after the inclement weather passes. These sites will not be up and running immediately after the storm passes.
As of 5 pm, Miami-Dade Answer Center has received more than 13,000 phone calls.
The Miami-Dade County Answer Center has been activated and will remain open until further notice. Residents can call 3-1-1 in Miami-Dade or (305) 468-5900 outside of Miami-Dade County, TDD: (305) 468-5402. Specialists are taking calls in English, Spanish & Creole. Residents can access disaster-related information 24-hours a day on the Office of Emergency Management website at www.miamidade.gov/emergency.
