Broward County is installing solar-powered flood sensors across Fort Lauderdale to help crews track rainfall and standing water as it builds. The sensors are going into flood-prone areas first, and they send readings every 10 minutes to officials through a map, phone alerts and email.
Each location uses two sensors, one above ground and one inside a nearby catch basin. Together they measure how much water collects as rain runs off the road. Greg Mount, with the county’s Public Works Innovation Team, said the goal is to spot rising water before it becomes flooding.
Mount said the data will give crews more time to move pumps and other equipment where they are needed. Fort Lauderdale Public Works officials said the system will also make it easier to check conditions without sending an inspector and truck to every site. One trouble spot is Northeast 19th Avenue, where storm surge can push water up from a nearby canal while rain collects on the road.
Each sensor costs about $18,000, and the project is funded through the county’s one-cent transportation tax. The technology is expected to reach Pompano Beach, Hallandale Beach and Hollywood later this year. The county aims to have 40 sensors installed by the end of 2026, with 50 more planned for 2027.
