This morning many residents will be waking up to news that the hurricane has shifted west and it will be easy to get caught in the excitement and relax but we urge you not to let your guard down too soon. Hurricane Irma has been extremely unpredictable and contact is still a day away. In addition the storm's size makes it almost a guarantee that we will get rough weather even if we are not directly hit. Already this morning we are beginning to feel the effects of the storm and these will continue through Monday getting progressively more intense into Sunday morning. As of now all evacuation orders are still in effect, if you have not already done so please make your way to a shelter or local non-evacuated friend or family member's home.
Members of the City Emergency Management Team are in contact with the County EOC and as of now the City of Lake Worth EOC personnel are still preparing to ride out the storm on the ground. There is still a chance of disruption to the electric grid but additional crews will be in the City by this evening and any disruption will be dealt with promptly following the storm.
Lake Worth beach and casino complex are still closed and will remain closed until further notice. Please do not cross the bridge to the barrier island, PBSO will turn you away.
Refuse collection has now concluded within the City. Please bring in your containers and any loose debris and secure them either bring them indoors or tie them down. The weather is still going to be rough even if we do not get a direct hit.
At this time the County is still planning on instigating a curfew of 3pm today, the City will follow the county lead. Please plan on ceasing all travel until after the storm before 3pm. PBSO will be stopping anyone on the road without a valid legal purpose to travel.
Please note that the Electric Utilities emergency phone number is only for electrical related emergencies. They are not able to answer any other questions and need the line to remain clear for electrical matters.
The City follows the County lead we encourage you to download and install the PBC Dart app. The Palm Beach County DART app will help you stay up to date with the County before, during and after the storm. Android - ht.ly/IGpy30eZoKw IOS - ht.ly/jenF30eZoNA All Xfinity hotspots have been opened and made free to the public until after the storm so just look for an xfinity wifi hotspot and connect if needed.
As we go into the storm please remember that State, County and City Emergency officials do not issue any orders lightly, whether a curfew or evacuation order. We understand that these can sometimes be frustrating especially when it may seem like the danger hasn't arrived or has passed but there can be many reasons for the order to be given. The logistics of keeping all residents safe are extremely complex and officials will err on the side of caution as minor inconvenience is better than death. Please follow all safety orders when given and remember that we all want the same thing... life to return to normal, which it will if we work together.
City staff have been working hard to prepare the City in case the storm is to hit Lake Worth. You can expect multiple information releases to come from the City over the next week. If you haven't already please follow the City on Twitter (@LakeWorthPBC & @LakeWorthCasino).
Together we can make it through whatever comes our way, we are Lake Worth! <
1 comment:
Praying for everyone in Florida,but this memo is right. No one can predict how a Hurricane will ultimately go. Better to be safe than sorry. We're not out of the woods yet! Cliché but true!
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