HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference in Hollywood on Friday morning.
DeSantis addressed flooding in South Florida caused by intense rainfall from a tropical disturbance.
He was accompanied by Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie and Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue.
City officials in Hollywood said they saw close to 20 inches of rain in the area since Tuesday.
SHARE YOUR PHOTOS: Flooding widespread as storms sweep across South Florida
And in Fort Lauderdale, there was more of the same as the mayor said crews are facing a tough situation.
Despite the heavy flooding, Hollywood residents were grateful Friday morning as the high waters that took over the streets, leading to cars having to be towed, began to recede.
DeSantis said that at least 100 pumps are in use to drain the water from the severe flooding.
He also said his office has been in constant communication with the Florida Department of Transportation and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, who are helping with the recovery efforts.
Guthrie urged residents to stay off the roads if possible and keep records of property damage inside their homes.
“If your home has significant damage, do not enter the building if it is still flooded. You should take pictures before doing any kind of cleanup so you can send them to your flood insurance companies to get refunded. Please avoid any areas that are subject to flooding and never try to walk through the water. Some of the water is contaminated and we urged parents to not allow their children to play in it,” he said.
DeSantis said we are expected to receive more rain but said, “South Florida has the staff and emergency response teams in place to handle it.”
Officials in the city of Hollywood said they are requesting more pumps to help with all the flooding as more rain is expected in the forecast.
Local 10 viewers can watch the news conference here:
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