Days of steady rain have flooded roads across Palm Beach, Martin, Okeechobee, St. Lucie and Indian River counties, prompting officials to close some streets and warn drivers away from others.
In Palm Beach County, South Ocean Boulevard in the Town of Palm Beach is closed from the 1200 to the 2200 block because of flooding. West Palm Beach police told drivers to avoid several intersections along Military Trail, including the stretch at 45th Street. Boynton Beach reported severe flooding from Gateway Boulevard and Seacrest Boulevard to the 1900 block of North Seacrest. In Lake Park, the Sheriff’s Office advised drivers to avoid Congress Avenue until further notice.
Farther north, Okeechobee County closed Highway 78 East at the 1600 block so crews could place a pump capable of moving up to 25,000 gallons of water per minute. In Indian River County, 58th Avenue SW between 13th and 17th streets is closed after a washout, with no set reopening date. In Fellsmere, all of North Broadway is closed.
Riviera Beach also closed the intersection of Garden Road and Blue Heron Boulevard because of a water main break. Crews expected repairs to be finished by 6 a.m. Monday, Nov. 3.
Sheriff’s offices in Indian River and Martin counties warned that six inches of moving water can stall a vehicle and 12 inches can carry it away. Drivers should allow extra time, slow down and avoid standing water.
