Friday, January 10, 2014

This in from the Town of Palm Beach - note that it was sent out at 4 a.m.

Flash Flood Warning for the Town of Palm Beach

National Weather Service Doppler radar indicated Heavy rain will continue over already flooded areas of the Town of Palm Beach and will extend the Flash Flood Warning through the early Friday morning hours. Heavy rains caused flash flooding beginning at 8:00pm. and caused several areas of the island to be completely incapacitated. Roads were blocked at County Rd. near the Breakers Hotel, N. Lake Way from Wells to Country Club, the 1800 block of South Ocean Blvd, and the 1100 block of S Ocean Blvd. An additional 2 to 4 inches with locally higher amounts will remain possible through daybreak, especially if the band of heavy rainfall persists or lifts back to the north along the Palm Beach Coast. Locations In the warning include but are not limited to Palm Beach. Port of Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Tequesta. Riviera Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter and Juno Beach precautionary/preparedness actions.

Palm Beach Police advise resident and visitors to never drive your vehicle into areas where the water covers the roadway. Flood waters are usually deeper than they appear. Just one foot of flowing water is powerful enough to sweep vehicles off the road. When encountering flooded roads make the smart choice, turn around.

Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:

- Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
- Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.

Be aware of stream, drainage channels, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rain.
If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:

- Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
- Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be swept away quickly.

Please contact the Palm Beach Police Department with any questions at the non emergency number 561-838-5454.