Fire & Water Damage Services – Florida Properties Rotating Header Image

Flood Damage Florida

Severe Weather Threatens South Florida On Tornado Alert Next 48 Hours

Apr 3rd, 2013
by Jarvis Team.
Comments are off for this post

Following on the heels of severe storm activity from Texas to Georgia on Easter Sunday, potentially severe thunderstorms are expected to flare up across portions of the South this week. The worst of the weather could produce large hail, damaging winds and wind gusts of up to 55 miles per hour. There is also a likelihood that tornadoes could spawn out of the unstable weather.

Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Fort Pierce Florida are among the cities that will be directly in the path of severe storms in Florida this week. The main concerns with the thunderstorm activity are strong winds, hail and isolated tornadoes. The National Weather Service had a severe thunderstorm warning in effect for the Houston, TX area Tuesday night. The main threats with the storm over the Houston area are hail, high winds and locally heavy rainfall. Residents of Houston were being warned Tuesday night to be aware of the possibility of localized flooding on roadways Wednesday and were being reminded of the dangers of driving through standing water.

The same system that will produce storms in Texas will also cause bad weather along the Gulf Coast. This unstable weather system with potentially damaging winds, hail and severe thunderstorms will eventually hit the northern portion of Florida by Thursday at the latest. An upper level low pressure system that was over the four corners states Tuesday is responsible for sending the severe weather into the South. This system already stirred up a ruckus of storms across west Texas Tuesday with hail, wind and a couple of tornado touch downs. More storms will be developing around Texas’s Big Bend area Wednesday. They say that everything in Texas is big and some of the storms in the Lone Star State will be big from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning from the Big Bend region across to the Houston area. Eventually the storms will move across the South to bring severe weather to New Orleans and northern Florida. By Thursday, severe thunderstorms with heavy rain and potential flooding will be a real threat to the northern portion of Florida including the Panhandle.

Thunderstorms in the Sunshine State late Thursday into early Friday could produce damaging winds and a few tornadoes. The air will be warm enough with just the right amount of humidity on Friday to support super-cell storms and potentially dangerous tornadoes. As the severe weather moves into the South, enough rain could come down to provide some relief of drought conditions from central Texas to parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas. Then, later in the week, some needed rainfall will come down on portions of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and of course Florida. Some areas could receive up to four inches of rain when all is said and done. Urban and low-lying areas could very well flood with that type of heavy rainfall so folks living in the South should be aware of what’s happening weather-wise this week into the weekend.

Developing Weather System in Gulf Prompts Alerts and Evacuations

Jun 23rd, 2012
by Jarvis Team.
No comments yet

Tropical disturbance over the southern Gulf, dubbed as Invest 96L by the National Hurricane Center, is expected to develop into a tropical storm or hurricane over the next few days. As a result, the entire U.S Gulf coast has been put on alert, and some companies have already started evacuating non-essential personnel from the region.
According to Michael Brennan, a senior hurricane expert, the low-pressure system located near the northern Yucatan Peninsula was still disorganized. However, the falling surface pressures in that region of the Gulf are creating favorable conditions for the development of tropic depression in the next couple of days.
The latest report from the National Hurricane Center indicates that there is a 70 percent chance for the system to transform into a tropical cyclone over the weekend.
Meanwhile, the Florida Division of Emergency Management has warned people residing in Central and South Florida to prepare for possible flooding rains. As per Matt Zibura, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service (NSW) in Jacksonville, there is the possibility of some storms hitting Gainesville and Ocala. However, the intensity would probably be not as strong as in Central Florida.
Amy Godsey, State Meteorologist, stated in a press release that thunderstorms are possible in most parts of Central and South Florida in coming days due to as the tropical moisture moves into the state. Godsey advised that people residing in Florida should pay attention to the warnings issued by the NSW as well as local authorities. Amy also urged people not to drive through flooded roads.
While the forecasters are still not sure about both the development and track of the system, some oil and gas companies in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico have begun evacuating non-essential crew.
Murphy Oil Corporation stated that it had commenced evacuation of the non-essential workers. While the operations are still on, they are watching the system.
Barb Hesterman, spokesperson for the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port, said that though the operations were running normally, they are moving out non-essential staff.
Forecasters said the interests located along the United States Gulf Coast should closely watch the progress of the system over the weekend. Several early computer model forecasts predict the system’s track toward Florida.

Flooding in Gulf Coast States Causing Havoc

Jun 11th, 2012
by Jarvis Team.
No comments yet

Southeastern Alabama and the Panhandle of Florida have been overcome with rainwater as several cities are receiving more than 12 inches of rain in one day. People living in and around Mobile, AL are being told to use extreme caution there as severe flash floods have washed out roadways and made many impassible. In nearby Pensacola, FL the National Weather Service said that Saturday was the 2nd wettest day on record there and that a flash flood emergency is in effect.

Flooding from heavy downpours of rain have damaged many homes across the Florida Panhandle, cut power off to a county jail and has sent many people fleeing their homes to look for shelter on dry land. A tornado which formed from the storm system damaged a few homes and buildings in southeast Alabama. Over nine inches of rain fell in Mobile County from Friday through Sunday with even more rain in the forecast for Monday morning. People there are being told not to travel because many roadways are washed out or completely flooded with water.

The historical rain event is being caused by a low pressure system that has stalled out over the region for the past few days and it is not expected to leave until the end of this week. There have been moments when it has stopped raining, but most of the time it’s either been constantly drizzling or pouring down rain. All of the rain is simply more than creeks, rivers and lakes can handle. Drivers are being told that if they cannot see the road because of water that they should turn around as there’s no telling how deep it is.

Pensacola has seen severe flooding this weekend. On Sunday, emergency workers had their hands full and the sound of sirens could be heard regularly all day long. Many homes were flooded with several feet of water there Saturday and Sunday as residents braced for additional rains Monday morning. More than 100 people spent the night in shelters in Escambia County Saturday night including residents from a 50-unit apartment complex and a 22-home subdivision.

The National Weather Service reported that over thirteen inches of rain fell on Pensacola over a 24 hour period by Saturday, coming very close to the 15.29 inches set in 1934. Thus far, the flooding has caused millions of dollars worth of damages with more rain on the way for the start of the work week. Flood assessment teams are preparing to see exactly what the end results are from this major flood event once the storm system finally leaves the region and moves out to sea.

Doral Flood Cleanup Begins as More Wet Weather for Miami-Dade County

May 24th, 2012
by Jarvis Team.
No comments yet

Miami-Dade County in Florida remains under a flood watch after 48 straight hours of rain. The National Weather Service has extended the watch until Thursday evening. On Wednesday, heavy, torrential rains caused all types of problems for business owners in Doral. Water had to be pumped out of a parking lot there into a nearby canal, but by the time that was done, many motorists had already been left stranded on flooded roads and streets.

Folks living in south Florida are fed up with Mother Nature as it has been pouring rain since early Tuesday. Residents at one Doral apartment complex spent all of Wednesday removing wateer from their homes and vehicles. The heavy rainfall set a new Miami record after 5 ½ inches of rain fell within 24 hours, something that has not been witnessed since 1901. Doral got more than four inches of rain. There were vehicles seen stranded in high water all over that community. Unfortunately, Doral residents are not in the clear yet because the National Weather Service is telling them to expect more rain and even some more torrential rains through Thursday as the system that’s bringing the wet weather is moving very slowly across the region.

Due to the extreme rainfall that has been ocurring, The South Florida Water Management District or SFWMD is now operating the extensive flood control system that is designed to move massive amounts of water very quickly due to the. Officials at SFWMD report that the system is doing it’s job which is to minimize the risk of flooding near homes and businesses. Already about 200 million gallons of rain from the recent storms have been flowing in an emergency basin which is a nearly 1000 acre impoundment area that was built after Hurricane Irene in 1999 and an unnamed storm in 2000. In all, a half a million residents and 5,000 homes and businesses are being protected by the system.

The upcoming Memorial Day weekend is also going to be wet. The National Weather Service reported Wednesday that it will rain over the coming weekend as the official forecast calls for scattered showers and thunderstorms all across the region. How much rain will fall is yet to be seen. If those iving in southern Florida had their say, the upcoming holiday will be sunny and dry. However, people living in the region who are planning outdoor get-togethers should make alternative indoor plans as it could rain very heavily at times.

Residents in Southern Florida Struggle with Flooding

Nov 1st, 2011
by Jarvis Team.
No comments yet

Heavy rainfall has caused severe flooding in Miami-Dade and Broward counties in Florida. With more rain in the forecast for early this week, the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for parts of Miami-Dade and Broward counties which will remain in effect until Tuesday.

Affected residents are being warned to stay inside and to avoid walking and driving in flood waters. Health officials in Miami are telling affected residents not to eat or drink anything which as been touched by flood waters as it will be contaminated. Several schools have been closed in both Miami-Dade and Broward counties due to flooding and are expected to re-open sometime this week. Over fifty apartments in one Fort Lauderdale complex were flooded late Sunday as were the complex’s underground parking garages. Several other apartment complexes in Fort Lauderdale were also affected by flooding as was a local food bank. The public has been asked to volunteer to help those affected mop and clean up.

The cause of the flooding in South Florida was a stalled frontal system which dumped twelve inches of rain in some areas. Even though much of the region of Florida has adequate drainage via many canals, the drains simply backed up under the strain of heavy rain. Fort Lauderdale Beach received the worst of the rain as 12.5 inches fell there. Coconut Grove received 11 inches followed by Palmetto Bay with 8.8 inches.

Thousands of residents and businesses were affected by the Florida flooding which will result in many of them having to deal with the damage over the next few days if not weeks. Insurance companies in the affected region reported Monday that many flood claims have been filed with the majority of them for roof and vehicle engine damage. Nearly 3,000 Florida Power & Light customers lost their power early Monday although most should see it restored by Tuesday.

The flood damage was so extensive in parts of Fort Lauderdale that several restoration companies were hard at work already Monday cleaning up apartments, homes and businesses which had several inches of dirty standing water inside. Rainy weather and gusting winds are expected to remain over South Florida until mid-week. A low pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico is also bring in some added rain. That system has a 60% chance of developing into a tropical cyclone. Residents living in low-lying areas in South Florida are being told to have plans in place to address flooding which may occur.

Time for Floridians to Be Ready for Tropical Storms as Irene Approaches

Aug 22nd, 2011
by Jarvis Team.
No comments yet

It is time for residents of Florida to prepare their homes and properties for the possible arrival of tropical storms and hurricanes. Tropical storm Irene is threatening to become the first storm to reach hurricane strength this week as it is making its way along the southern coast of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The National Weather Service has said that Irene could hit the southern Florida coasts by as early as Thursday or Friday of this week as a hurricane.

Now is not the time to become complacent if you live in Florida just because there has been an absence of severe storms in recent years. The Florida Division of Emergency Management wishes to warn people in the state to not have a false sense of security during this year’s hurricane season. Hurricane Katrina made landfall in southern Florida in late August of 2005 as only a Category 1 storm but the damage it did to homes and properties was extensive.

The most common type of damage which can occur during a tropical storm or hurricane in Florida is debris breaking windows and water filling a property. Also, high winds can wreak havoc on a building, creating pressure inside which can cause the roof to rip off. A tropical storm can pack sustained winds of between 40 and 73 miles per hour while a Category 5 hurricane can bring winds in excess of 155 mile per hour with 18+ feet storm surges which inevitably lead to catastrophic damage to homes, businesses and properties.

When you live in Florida, and especially in the southern portion of the state, it is a part of life to protect your home from potential damage done by tropical storms and hurricanes. Homes can be devastated by high wind and waves and debris can easily break doors and windows. It is essential to do regular inspections on roofs. A technique called “hurricane blocking” can be done to new structures which entails putting an extra 2×4 under the truss which creates a pocket of air space. This prevents a vacuum from forming during occurrences of strong winds.

Impact-resistant windows can be installed on new homes. Owners of older homes can have their windows “wet-flashed” which is a process of putting a sealant on the windows to prevent water leaks. Impact-resistant doors can also be used on homes. Additionally, it is wise to see to it that doors have at least three hinges and a dead bolt lock that features a bolt which is at least two inches long. There are no other storms on earth as powerful as hurricanes so it is essential to prepare your Florida property before a storm strikes. It is also important to know your city’s community disaster plan and to create a family plan as well.

Tips for Boarding up Your Windows before a Hurricane

Jul 15th, 2011
by Jarvis Team.
No comments yet

The hurricane season in Florida starts from June and lasts until November. It is imperative that you take all the preventive measures before and during the hurricane season. Boarding up the windows of your home can considerably reduce the chance of damage caused by wind and water. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that you should use five-eighths-inch marine plywood to board up your windows. However, it is important to understand that this preventive measure provides a temporary protection against hurricanes. It is highly advised that you should use more solid and durable structures such as steel shutters, especially if you live in areas, like Florida, which are more likely to experience a high-intensity hurricane.

Other things that you will require for boarding up your windows are gloves, safety goggles, tape measure, circular saw, framing square, pencil, drill and drill bits, ¼-inch lag screws (for houses with wood frame structure), ¼-inch expansion bolts, wrench, hammer, nuts, masonry anchors, wood anchors and large washers.

1. Count the number of windows in your homes and use the tape measure to determine the width and height of each window. Add 8-inch to both the width and the height.

2. Take the circular saw and cut the board as per measurements you have taken. Wear the gloves and safety goggles while doing so to prevent the wooden splinters from piercing into your hands and injuring your eyes. Use the framing square to get a straight cut.

3. Now take the drill and use drill bits corresponding to the diameter of the screws or bolts to drill the holes. The holes should be 2-inch in from the edge of the board at every corner. Drill the holes all-around the panel by keeping twelve-inch gaps between them. For example, drill one hole at the top right edge of the panel, then measure down twelve inches and drill another one. Keep on repeating this process until you have drilled the holes around the whole board panel.

4. Position the drilled board in place firmly and use the pencil to mark opening of the holes.

5. Now secure the board on all four sides. If you are securing the board on a wooden frame house and windows measuring 3-by-4 feet or smaller, then apply plastic-coated permanent anchor. Place a washer and use the wrench to tighten ¼-inch lag screws into each hole. For windows larger than 3-by-4, use 3/8-inch lag screws. For securing the board to masonry house with windows 3-by-4 feet or smaller, apply galvanized permanent expansion anchor and use ¼-inch expansion bolts. Use the hammer to pound in the screws. For bigger windows, use 3/8-inch expansion bolts.

Coastal Flooding Impact, and how to prevent it

Jul 6th, 2011
by Jarvis Team.
No comments yet

Coastal flood is a common recurrence in many parts of the world. It has been seen that excess water ravages the adjoining land and the interior following cyclones, hurricanes, tsunamis, snow melts and dam bursting. People who have lived along the coastal areas are more at danger due to the high possibility of flooding. Needless to say coastal flooding can run amok lives and property in minutes. Weak sea coasts are not able to handle the rising sea water, which easily submerges the nearby areas.

Impact of coastal flooding:

Due to coastal floods, apart from loss of life and accidents; there can be the following effects:

1. Coastal erosion which can destroy the lands and its facilities
2. Chronic loss of land combined with annihilation of coastal sediments, which can inherently prevent floods
3. Nearby construction activity is affected due to coastal erosion.
4. Damage to adjoining property and flooding caused due to impact of storms that give rise to steep waves.
5. Scarcity of land created due to coastal erosion and flooding
6. Depletion of environmental resources like fertile land, oyster beds etc.

Over the last few years, we have seen that severe storms, hurricanes and tsunamis have given rise to coastal flooding that has inundated lands. These flood events can be short-term or long-term but in both cases, there can be considerable water damage, mold growth, destruction of property and loss of life. The deadliest incident of coastal flooding was in 1931 in China, where millions were killed. This happened when the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers was flood and spilled over to the land, killing four millions who died from drowning as well as from contamination, starvation and disease. Then, there is also an incident in Hallisands, in Devon, England of a hurricane that washed away the entire village in just 16 hours.

To prevent coastal flooding from gaining momentum and cause considerable damage, here are the few things that can be done.

1. Seawalls: Seawalls can provide short-term protection from erosion. Of course, the sand used to form them can eventually deteriorate and the authorities must be responsible enough to replace them. Their construction on a consistent basis can allow these buildings to continue without being affected.

2. Codes for buildings: Buildings and houses near the coast must be built with specific materials that can withstand coastal flooding. This means property owners have to consent to have their homes and offices built; adhering to these materials with features like slits and flood elevations.

3. Flood Insurance: Apart from the above two preventative steps, it is also important to have homes and offices near flood prone zones to have a flood insurance. The US government has a provision for this, especially for the homeowners in the coastal flood zones to purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.

4. Banning building homes near the coast: This can guarantee that there is no loss to life and property due to coastal floods, but such bans are not implemented usually because municipalities cannot enforce these bans at the cost of affecting personal property rights. In some cases, the proactive municipal corporations do go ahead and sweeten the ban by buying these areas and using it as parks and open spaces.