Watch CBS News

Trees Down, Power Lines Block Miami Beach Roads

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Residents of Miami Beach who evacuated before Hurricane Irma's arrival will have to wait until at least Tuesday morning before they can return to their homes.

Miami Beach emergency officials said conditions remain dangerous until their crews can assess the damage in the light of day and clear the roads. They remind all residents that there will be a curfew Monday night beginning at 7 p.m. that runs through Tuesday at 7 a.m.

No cars will be permitted to enter the city until Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. A valid resident ID is required for entry.

City officials said there are several dangerous areas with downed power lines and debris that need to be cleared. While teams are clearing the city, they ask residents in the city not to leave their homes.

"We have power lines down, we have trees blocking the road, we have some gas leaks around Miami Beach, we have power outages everywhere," said Mayor Philip Levine. "We have crews all over the city clearing the roads. We want the people of Miami Beach to return as soon as possible and as safe as possible. I beg and plead for everyone's patience, we want everybody to come back but we want you to come back in a safe mode."

Beach officials also want to remind residents to treat intersections with traffic signals that are inoperable as a four-way stop and use caution.

The mayor said they haven't seen any structural damage and their preparations, along with a shift in the storm, prevented any prolonged street flooding.

"We are thankful that the flooding Miami Beach had was minimal. The areas where we raised our roads, put in pumps, put in portable generators, fared very well. There was no flooding whatsover. We are very, very happy about that," he said.

On Tuesday, residents will be allowed to re-enter first, followed by business owners, their employees and contractors.

Residents must show a state ID or other documentation showing proof of residency in Miami Beach. Business owners, their employees and contractors must supply the proper documentation they were given prior to evacuation.

Beginning Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. all parking garages will be back to normal use and will begin charging for parking. They asked anyone who parked in a city garage to protect their car to please move it.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.