FloodingWednesday, November 4
Riviera Beach is recovering from a 1-in-1,000-year flood after 15.5 inches of rain
The 5AM West Palm Beach team
Riviera Beach is digging out after about 15.5 inches of rain swamped the city, and city officials warn recovery could take months or longer. Fire rescue crews waded through waist-deep water to reach trapped residents.
Lone Pine Estates was especially devastated by the flooding. The city activated its Emergency Operations Center to Level 2.
Riviera Beach's flood by the numbers
- 15.5 inches
- of rain, officials said
- More than 50
- residents rescued from Lone Pine, the city said
- 6
- pumps moving floodwater into local canals
- 1-in-1,000
- year rainfall event, officials said
Sources: The Palm Beach Post, WPEC, WFLX
- Blue Heron Blvd.: closed until at least Thursday morning
- Water use: city asks you to limit flushing and laundry
- Nonemergency help: call 877-257-2374 instead of 911
- Shelter: Therapeutic Recreation Center in Lake Worth
Mayor Douglas Lawson has asked Gov. Ron DeSantis to add Palm Beach County to the state emergency declaration, which could open the door to FEMA assistance. Crews are using pumps and vacuum trucks to clear water, and the city is coordinating bottled water and ready-to-eat meals for families.
Heavy rain that began on Halloween night led to flooding in Riviera Beach
- Oct. 31Heavy rain and storms start on Halloween night.
- Nov. 2Riviera Beach declares a state of emergency.
- Nov. 3Lawson asks Gov. DeSantis to add Palm Beach County to the state declaration.
- Nov. 3Crews stop entering flooded neighborhoods after 6 p.m., except life-threatening emergencies.
Sources: The Palm Beach Post, WPEC, WPTV News Channel 5 West Palm, WFLX
Sources: WPEC, The Palm Beach Post, WFLX, WPTV News Channel 5 West Palm