Days of consistent rainfall across Palm Beach, Martin, Okeechobee, St. Lucie and Indian River counties have produced historic flooding, submerging homes and forcing the closure of numerous roadways, officials said.
In West Palm Beach, police advise motorists to avoid Village Boulevard, 45th Street, Haverhill Road, Tyler Lakes Boulevard, Cumberland Drive, Military Trail, Shenandoah Drive and other affected streets. The Town of Palm Beach also closed South Ocean Boulevard from the 1200 block to the 2200 block.
In Okeechobee County, Highway 78 East was shut at the 1600 block so crews could install a pump capable of moving up to 25,000 gallons of water per minute, with law‑enforcement officers directing traffic to detours.
Riviera Beach residents were told to stay clear of the Garden Road and Blue Heron Boulevard intersection after a water‑main break; repairs are slated for completion by 6 a.m. on Nov. 3. Boynton Beach reported severe flooding from Gateway Boulevard and Seacrest Boulevard to the 1900 block of North Seacrest Boulevard, while Boca Raton listed standing water on NW Second Avenue at 28th and 35th Streets, multiple sections of Dixie Highway and along NW Second Avenue from 20th Street to Yamato Road.
Lantana is experiencing isolated flooding, and Lake Park officials asked drivers to avoid Congress Avenue and Water Tower Road. In Indian River County, 58th Avenue SW between 13th and 17th Streets was closed after a washout, and the sheriff’s office warned that six inches of moving water can stall a vehicle while twelve inches can carry it away.
Port St. Lucie saw closures at the intersection of California and Savona Boulevards, Port St. Lucie Boulevard with Aviation Avenue, and portions of Prima Vista Boulevard. St. Lucie County also monitored St. Lucie West Boulevard, Becker Road and Savona Boulevard for potential closures.
Martin County’s Green River Parkway was flooded and impassable, and the city of Stuart reported water on NW Dixie Highway southbound, Australian/Stuart Avenue and other local streets.
In Palm Beach County, residents of the Foxhall community described waist‑deep water in streets and homes, with cars submerged and homes flooding from kitchens to bedrooms. Bnjy Prince of the Visions at Willow Pond community said the entrance to his neighborhood was underwater, preventing access.
Governor Ron DeSantis responded on Nov. 2 by issuing Executive Order 26‑227, declaring a state of emergency for Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie counties, as well as Brevard, DeSoto, Hardee and Highlands counties. The order activates state resources from the Division of Emergency Management for logistical, rescue and evacuation operations and will remain in effect for 60 days unless extended. Local emergencies were also declared by St. Lucie and Indian River counties and the city of Port St. Lucie.
What’s next: Crews in Riviera Beach aim to finish water‑main repairs by early morning on Nov. 3. Residents are urged to follow detour routes, avoid flooded roadways and stay tuned for updates from local agencies as the emergency response continues.
