Debby douses Southwest Florida
The Breeze Newspapers Hurricane Guide 2024 may be found on this website
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Cape Coral may not have had it the worst in terms of street flooding, but the city received plenty of rain from Tropical Storm Debby over the weekend.
Southwest Florida experienced its first tropical storm of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Debby, which dumped about 6 inches of rain on the Cape before turning into a Category 1 hurricane on Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
Flood and coastal flooding warnings remain in effect in Lee County until 8 p.m. today and areas of Cape Coral experienced standing water to the degree of having to shut down intersections.
On Sunday, the city of Cape Coral closed the cross-section of Trafalgar Parkway and Chiquita Boulevard due to flooding. City officials reported the signal at the intersection was inoperable.
As of noon today, the closure was still in effect.
“City crews have promptly set up detours on all approaches to the intersection to ensure that traffic can be redirected smoothly and safely,” stated city officials. “Drivers are strongly advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes to minimize delays and congestion.”
Cape Coral Fire Department officials shared tips for drivers when flooding occurs in the city.
“With all of the rainfall from Tropical Storm Debby, Cape Coral is experiencing some localized street flooding as expected,” said CCFD spokesperson Andrea Schuch.
Tips include:
• Driving through flooded roads is dangerous because it is hard to tell how deep the water is, which could cause damage to your car, or worse.
• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
• A foot of water will float many vehicles.
On Monday, an update from Lee County officials stated that Lee County Parks & Recreation is assessing sites for damage and impacts from Tropical Storm Debby. Bunche Beach Preserve, Lynn Hall Memorial Park and access No. 4 of Bonita Beach Park are currently closed. Some parking areas along Bonita Beach are also impacted.
“Lee County Emergency Management continues to monitor the impacts the community experienced Sunday,” officials said in a release Monday. “Lee County Department of Transportation crews continue working today to ensure roads are clear and drainage continues to flow to the extent that the onshore winds allow. DOT and Solid Waste have staff in the impacted areas to address the extent of the damage and any debris-removal needs.”
All Lee County Transit (LeeTran) routes are fully operational, with no detours due to Debby in place.
According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Debby made landfall Monday morning over Florida’s Big Bend region, where Hurricane Warnings are in effect.
“Life-threatening storm surge is possible along portions of Florida’s Gulf Coast, where Storm Surge Warnings are in effect,” NWS officials stated. “Widespread thunderstorms are likely to continue across Florida and spread into Georgia and the Southeast Coast (Monday).”
Lee County Emergency Management was actively monitoring the tropics and in communication with its state and federal partners at the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center.
“The activity in the tropics is a good reminder for residents to be prepared for the height of hurricane season, which is upon us,” Lee County officials stated.
County officials shared the various ways residents can stay informed when storm systems are on the horizon.
• Monitor local media outlets, the National Weather Service-Tampa, and the National Hurricane Center.
• Sign up for AlertLee, which is an emergency notification system that allows registered users to receive telephone, text, and/or email
• Download the LeePrepares app from Google Play or the App Store.
• Follow Lee County Government on social media.
• Bookmark www.leegov.com. If a storm is approaching, Lee County Government will continuously update the website with relevant information.
They also reminded residents that it’s time to have a plan:
• Refresh your memory on your Evacuation Zone and your Flood Zone. Review the All Hazards Guide.
• Double check your Family Emergency Plan and an Emergency Supply Kit.
Find tips at www.leegov.com/hurricane.
“Your Family Emergency Plan should include where you would evacuate - like a family member's or friend's home or a community outside the area,” officials stated. “Your Family Emergency Plan should include a list of steps, such as securing loose items in your yard and ensuring your shutters are up. Review this list now and ensure you have what you need on hand as you continue to monitor the tropics.”
Lee County Emergency Management is working with local fire departments to provide sand and sandbags for residents who request them. Residents should contact their local fire department for details.
To find the fire department that serves their neighborhood,residents can enter their address in the Resident Information Lookup Tool at www.leegov.com.
The county is also asking the public to report blocked ditches, swales, canals and areas of local flooding.
Officials said first, to find out if your road is maintained by Lee County DOT, visit www.leegis.leegov.com/RoadLookup/. If it is not maintained by Lee County, find your municipal contact by visiting www.leegov.com/dcd/flood.
Second, officials said to put in a Request for Action (RFA) to improve surface water drainage along your county-maintained road by contacting the Request for Action Hotline at www.leegov.com/dot/requestforaction.
Residents can use the same website to also report blocked creeks and streams. The reported information will be directed to Lee County Natural Resources.
The Department of Community Development asks that any unincorporated Lee County Residents with water intrusion in their homes send an email to FIRMinfo@leegov.com for assistance with permit requirements and resources.