UPDATED 10/8/24: Public Safety Notice - Hurricane Milton

The Town of Highland Beach Police and Fire Rescue Departments have continued to monitor Hurricane Milton and would like to share the key developments below with Town residents:

• As of 11:00 AM EDT, Milton is located about 520 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida, moving east-northeastward at 9 mph. 
• A turn toward the northeast with an increase in forward speed is expected to begin later today and continue through Thursday
• Northeastward motion on Tuesday and Wednesday with forecasted landfall early Thursday morning at approximately 2:00 am.
• Maximum sustained winds are near 150 mph with higher gusts, making Milton a hazardous category 4 hurricane
• Palm Beach County is currently under a tropical storm and flood warning. 
• The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts a 60% chance of tropical-force winds beginning late Wednesday through Thursday in Palm Beach County.
• The NWS also forecasts an additional 2-7 inches of rain in Palm Beach County, making driving hazardous due to flooding in low-lying areas.
• Bridges are locked in the down position as of noon today until further notice.
• Shelters: One special needs shelter will open at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow, and four general population and pet-friendly shelters will open at noon.
• Schools: Palm Beach County Schools, FAU, and Palm Beach State College will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday. Please contact the Palm Beach County Call Center at 561-712-6400 for additional information.
• Affected Town Facilities and Services: Out of an abundance of caution and in anticipation of potential weather impacts from Hurricane Milton, please be advised that Town facilities will be closed starting tomorrow, Wednesday, October 9, at noon through Friday, October 11, at 8:30 AM.  Facilities and services to be affected:
  1. Town Hall/Administration
  2. Building Department (including Code Enforcement & Planning)
  3. Town Library
  4. Solid Waste Authority (SWA) of Palm Beach County disposal facilities will be closed and Waste Management garbage and recycling collection operations will be suspended on Thursday, October 10, 2024. An additional notice will be sent if this closure is extended.
• Essential services not affected by the closure:
  1. Police
  2. Fire Rescue
  3. Water Plant Operations

Town staff is prepared for storm conditions and will vary our responses depending on Hurricane Milton's track. We will keep you informed and updated on any matters related to Town operations. 

You should always stay informed on storm conditions through reliable local and national media, weather centers, and county emergency operations information sources.

Have a Plan & Be Prepared!