Neighbors stack sandbags, clear storm drains in Lake Worth Beach

Residents in low-lying areas of Lake Worth Beach on Friday are preparing for possible flooding from Potential Tropical Cyclone One.

Homes on 18th Avenue South near the Intracoastal Waterway had sandbags stacked in front of their garages.

Crews spent all day Thursday and Friday morning clearing storm drains throughout the city to make sure water can flow freely once the heavy rain comes.

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One resident said he's had water damage before and hopes it doesn't happen again.

"You've gotta put sandbags in front of the garage, in front of the front door, and just hope for the best," said resident Robert Serr. "This area does flood sometimes, especially when the rain comes in heavy. And just hope that it doesn't go in the house."

Lake Worth Beach officials are reminding neighbors that if you have a storm drain in front of your home, make sure it's clear of debris.

Neighbors on 18th Avenue South said they know the drill. They’ve got the sandbags out and they are ready for whatever water may come down the street.

Serr has owned a home on the street for a year and has already dealt with flooding.

"We had a heavy downpour about eight weeks ago and unfortunately, it came in the house a bit. We managed to get it out quickly," Serr said.

"I used to worry. Some of our neighbors do. They call me, Carlos, it’s coming, it’s coming. But no big deal," said Carlos Ramirez.

Ramirez has called 18th Avenue South his home for almost 30 years.

"We constantly have bags on the side of our houses because we know this is a flood zone, so we have to be proactive and prepare," Ramirez said.

Ramirez said the neighbors look out for each other and will do so again.

"If you want to live by the Intracoastal, you have to suffer the consequences if it rains too much. But it’s a lovely street when it’s not flooded," Ramirez said.

Neighbors said the city came out and gave them sandbags to help protect their homes and really work with them to mitigate any potential flooding.

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