Monitoring Milton Update #3 - Tropical Storm Watch Issued for Broward County

Posted:
October 7, 2024
5:15 PM

The City of Cooper City is closely monitoring Hurricane Milton. The system has rapidly intensified to a Category 5 storm as it moves east/northeast across the Gulf of Mexico. The National Hurricane Center predicts Milton will be a major hurricane when it makes landfall along the west coast of Florida this week. As of the 5 PM Advisory on October 7, a Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Broward County. At this time, you should have necessary supplies and a plan in place to make sure your loved ones, pets, and property are protected in case we experience any significant impacts. 

Periods of heavy rainfall will continue to impact South Florida through the middle of this week. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for all of South Florida through 8 AM Thursday (October 10). A widespread 2 to 4 inches of rainfall has fallen since the weekend. Another 2 to 4 inches of rain with locally higher amounts will be possible through the middle of the week.

City Operations
City Hall, the Community Center, and Pool and Tennis Center remain on regular schedule. Hours for City facilities, meetings, activities, and programs are subject to change should the forecast deem it necessary. The City Commission Regular Meeting on October 8, will proceed as scheduled at 6:30 PM at City Hall.

Broward County Public Schools
Schools and District offices will be open on Tuesday, October 8; however, the District will end all operations at 4 p.m. Schools and District offices will be closed on Wednesday, October 9 and Thursday, October 10. Schools and District offices are expected to resume normal operations on Friday, October 11.

District Water Bodies
Our Utilities Department works with the South Florida Water Management District and Central Broward Water Control District to ensure that water levels for respective canals and water bodies are kept at proper levels in anticipation of tropical systems. Furthermore, City staff and a contractor work year-round to clear debris from storm drains. If you have questions or have concerns about a storm drain, please call 954-434-5519.

Parks and Sports Complexes
Our Parks and Recreation Department is regularly assessing weather conditions on our fields and parks. Parks and sports complexes remain open to the public. The Walking Club at Flamingo West Park has been cancelled for Monday, October 7. If you or your child participate in Optimist programs, please follow Optimist updates for potential cancellations. 

Sandbag Distribution
Please call us at 954-434-2300 to inquire about sandbag distribution. City staff will begin distributing sandbags on Tuesday, October 8 at 7:15 AM. Please call ahead to ensure sandbags are available. Please bring your ID. Residents/business owners must be present to pick up sandbags. There is a limit of five (5) sandbags per household.

Solid Waste Services
Garbage and recycling collection services remain on a regular schedule. Household hazardous waste drop-off at Wheelabrator on October 12 will take place as scheduled.

Please remain vigilant and stay tuned to local media outlets for timely forecasts and updates.

Make sure you stay up to date with all Cooper City emergency notifications by visiting www.CooperCity.gov/AlertCooperCity and signing up for Alert Cooper City. We use this system to keep residents updated on any impacts to City services due to a storm.