Although Hurricane Irma was not a direct hit to Miami, the storm's massive composition wreaked havoc throughout the world-class metropolitan city's streets. In Brickell and Miami Beach, streets became flooded and turned into rivers including Brickell Avenue, one of Miami's most iconic streets which is lined with luxurious skyscrapers of banks, offices, hotels and residences.Gale force winds could be shown whipping through the city streets, blowing over Palm Trees, signs, trucks and anything in their path. In addition to the storm surge, rain water flooded inland areas and high winds damaged Miami International Airport, which officials have not yet deemed when they will be ready to open. Venetian Causeway was almost completely under water and a sailboat was seen slammed up against the bridges between San Marco Island and Biscayne Island. City officials still cannot confirm how high water levels rose. While some areas have seen water levels pull back, others are still flooded.
Areas to note, Purdy Avenue in Sunset Harbour, one of Miami Beach's most notorius flood zones, survived with little to no flooding. This shows that Miami's commitment to fending off sea level rise can prove to be successful as the city has raised the sidewalks over the years by 2' 5" and Miami Beach has committed over $500 million to raise streets and install pumps to drain floodwaters.
The damage assessment will take quite a few days as officials will make sure structures are safe for residents to return, remove debris and begin a clean-up process that at this time appear that it could have been much, much worse. Despite that, until the official reports begin to roll-in, there is just no way to know how much damage was done to the city and region of South Florida. So far, 5.8 million Florida homes and business' lost power and FPL claims that returning to normal operation could take weeks as they expect damage to core company systems. Many resources will need to be dedicated to rescue crews and clean-up so staying away from the city will allow officials budget the necessary resources to the people and areas that need them. Business are not open and returning to the city without essential supplies can hinder the efforts of those working to get the city back up and working on its feet.
Stay tuned to PROFILEmiami for more updates on Hurricane Irma and the clean-up effort.
Waves break over the Brickell Seawall as storm surge shakes up the Miami River. Photo via Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Brickell Avenue. Photo via Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Photo via Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Looking South Down SW 1st Avenue in Brickell. Photo via Joe Raedle/Getty Images
A collapsed crane at 3rd & Biscayne Blvd. Photo via Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Looking down Biscayne Boulevard from 19th Street. Photo via CNN
Looking North Towards Edgewater Up Biscayne at 19th Street. Photo via CNN
Waves break over the Seawall between Icon Brickell and Brickell Key. The Mandarian Oriental is shown in the background. Photo via CNN
A1A in Fort Lauderdale. Photo via CNN