FloodingTop story
Riviera Beach faces a long recovery after a once-in-1,000-year flood
15.5 inchesof rain in Riviera Beach, officials said
Lawson called the flooding a once-in-a-thousand-year event.
Source: WPEC
Riviera Beach officials are calling it a once-in-1,000-year flood. Mayor Douglas Lawson said about 15.5 inches of rain battered the city, and crews rescued more than 50 residents from Lone Pine Estates, according to a city statement. Officials said recovery could take years.
City emergency teams stopped entering flooded neighborhoods after 6 p.m. Tuesday, except for medical emergencies and life-threatening situations, and Florida Power & Light crews won't return until the water subsides. Lawson has asked Gov. Ron DeSantis to add Palm Beach County to the state emergency declaration, which could open the door to FEMA assistance.
- Hit hard: Lone Pine, Turtle Cay, Thousand Oaks, Indian Trace, Woodbine
- Blue Heron Blvd. at Congress: closed, Wednesday-night reopening not guaranteed
- Six pumps are moving floodwater into local canals
- Limit water: no flushing or laundry while wastewater systems are backed up
