Update 3 - September 28, 2022, 5 PM
Hurricane Ian made landfall at 3:05 PM as an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane near Cayo Costa, Florida with maximum sustained winds at 150 mph. While Wellington is not in the direct path of the storm, we are under a Tropical Storm Warning, Flood Watch, and Tornado Watch this evening. Please continue to monitor the forecast and follow any advisories and warnings overnight. The latest forecast from the National Weather Service forecast tells us we should expect strong winds, heavy rainfall, and possible tornadoes this evening. Emergency officials also warn about the potential for power outages. Wellington Emergency Operations officials continue to monitor the forecast, while Damage Assessment Teams, Public Works, and Utilities Crews prepare to continue to clear drains, ensure pump stations and lift stations are operational, and continue collecting debris tomorrow morning. We encourage residents to stay in their homes as much as possible to facilitate clean up efforts after the storm has passed.
Heavy Rainfall & Flooding
Wellington's Surface Water team have been pumping around the clock in response to recent rain. We have received more than 12 inches of water in the last week and the forecast calls for an additional 4 - 6 inches as Hurricane Ian moves through the state. 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
Garbage, recyclables, yard waste, and bulk waste collection resume (on their regular schedule) tomorrow, Thursday, September 29, 2022. There will be no make-up day for residents that missed collection service on Wednesday, September 28, 2022.
Closures & Cancellations
Village offices and facilities will be OPEN tomorrow, Thursday, September 29.
COVID-19 TESTING SITES
PARKS & FACILITIES
- Parks and recreation fields will remain closed due to existing conditions. 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
Update 2 - September 28, 2022, 10 AM
Wellington Emergency Operations officials continue to monitoring the forecast for Hurricane Ian. Our Damage Assessment Teams and Public Works and Utilities Crews have been busy at work this morning clearing drains, ensuring pump stations and lift stations are operational, and picking up debris left behind after heavy rainfall and tornadic activity overnight. The areas of Aero Club, and Meadow Wood saw downed trees, damage to property, and localized ponding.
Wellington remains under a Tropical Storm Watch, Flood Watch, and Tornado Watch. Meteorologists predict that the heaviest rain will occur this afternoon and tonight. Heavy rainfall, localized flooding, strong winds, and tornados are all possible this evening. Emergency officials warn about the potential for power outages. We encourage residents to stay in their homes as much as possible.
Heavy Rainfall & Flooding
Wellington averaged about 4.5 inches of rain yesterday and we have all pumps running at 100%. Since Friday we have had about 10 inches of rain reported. We expect to get an additional 4 - 6 inches as Hurricane Ian moves through the state.
Canals and water detention areas are working as they are supposed to. Canal levels look good, ranging from 12 - 18 inches above normal operation levels and that’s thanks to proactive pumping and continuous monitoring.
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
NO WASTE COLLECTION OF ANY KIND in Wellington today. A decision on Thursday's collection will be made this afternoon.
REMINDER: This is ️NOT the time to trim trees or put bulk items out on the curb.
Closures & Cancellations
Village offices and facilities are closed today, Wednesday, September 28, 2022.
COVID-19 TESTING SITES
PARKS & FACILITIES
- Wellington Parks & Recreation Facilities remain closed today. 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
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
NO WASTE COLLECTION OF ANY KIND tomorrow in Wellington. All Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County facilities and offices will be closing tomorrow, Wednesday, September 28, due to predicted tropical storm force winds and the safety of their drivers. This means there will be NO household, recycling, or bulk garbage collection tomorrow. Please store your bins on your property; do not place them at the curb.
A decision on Thursday's collection will be made Wednesday afternoon. Stay tuned for updates later in the week.
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
Village offices and facilities will be closed on Wednesday, September 28, 2022.
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.