Update 1 - September 27, 2022
Wellington Emergency Operations officials are closely monitoring Hurricane Ian as it moves towards Florida this week. The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Watch and Flood Watch across Palm Beach County, including our area. Meteorologists predict that the heaviest rain will occur tonight and tomorrow. As with any Hurricane, our attention turns to the potential for heavy rainfall, localized flooding, strong winds, and tornados.
Preparations Underway
Wellington's storm water management team has been making preparations at pump stations around town, clearing debris from our canals, and ensuring they are at their optimal levels in anticipation of heavy rainfall.
We're working closely with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) as they prepare the regional flood protection system to protect communities from flooding and handle possible heavy local rainfall from Hurricane Ian.
Heavy Rainfall & Flooding
Residents within Wellington may experience heavy rainfall today with possible street flooding. Please keep in mind that low-lying areas act as secondary detention areas. Expect storm water ponds and canal water elevations to increase and decrease in response to the rainfall. If you see flooding in your neighborhood, report it using the GoWellington mobile app or via our online portal.
REMINDER: Stay safe by avoiding flood waters that can be contaminated with pollutants and have hazards below the surface. Do not drive or walk through flooded streets.
Waste Collection
Waste Collection remains on its regular schedule. At this time, the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County does not anticipate any facility closures. All facilities will operate as normal through the remainder of the week and waste collection will happen as scheduled. EXPECT DELAYS: Due to the rainy weather, the collection trucks may run late.
REMINDER: This is ️NOT the time to trim trees or put out bulk items.
- Do not trim vegetation of any kind
- Do not put vegetative debris or bulk items on the curb
Hurricane Ian is just hours off the west coast and these items may not be collected in time. Placing items curbside before a storm puts not only yourself at risk, but your neighbors, as well. If you’ve already placed such debris out, bring it back to your property and secure it.
Closures & Cancellations
COVID-19 TESTING SITES
- All Wellington COVID testing sites remain open this week.
- For specific hours of operation, visit https://bit.ly/3NFhs9c
PARKS & FACILITIES
- Wellington Parks & Recreation Facilities, including the Wellington Aquatics Complex and Tennis Center are CLOSED in anticipation of Hurricane Ian. Visit Wellingtonfl.gov/parks for updated facility hours.
- Receive alerts when a game, practice, or facility has been affected by weather conditions via our RainoutLine notification system. Visit our Weather, Field, & Event Status page for more information.
What You Can Do To Prepare
Continue monitoring the weather forecast for our area.
Visit our Emergency Preparedness webpage and watch our Virtual Hurricane Preparedness Seminar for tips on how to stay safe this hurricane season.
Flood control is a shared responsibility. We urge residents and Homeowners Associations to do their part to help keep their community drainage systems running smoothly. This includes:
- Keeping neighborhood street grates clear of debris to prevent blockage and ensure proper drainage
- Turning off your sprinklers and letting rainfall water your lawn
Stay Informed
Wellington provides updates and important information before, during, and after a storm. Here's what you can do to stay connected and informed.