MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Sandbags have been placed in front of several businesses in Miami Beach as owners prepare for what Hurricane Isaias might bring.
South Beach looks different from usual as residents prepare for the storm, Saturday.
The roads were empty with the exception of a few police cruisers.
Restaurants in the area have stacked chairs on tables and cleared the sidewalks.
Business owners received an order on Friday to ensure all sidewalks were cleared by the end of the business day.
Public beaches and parks in Miami Beach were closed at 8 p.m., Friday.
Sarah Tubman and her daughters were hoping to enjoy the ocean, but they were disappointed when they arrived and saw signs that it was closed.
“We came to see the beach, but it’s closed,” she said.
7News cameras captured two entrances to the beach blocked off on Saturday morning.
The City of Miami Beach said they have already taken their pre-storm measures for public infrastructures.
They said all drains have been cleaned and all debris and other objects have been cleared away from right of ways. They have also deployed bypass pumps to assist with standing water concerns as well as half a dozen portable generators in case they lose power at the storm water pump station.
The two COVID-19 test sites in the area also closed their doors at 5 p.m. Friday.
All current construction sites in the area have also been ordered to secure their spaces.
Any construction crews seen in the area may be working on storm preparations such as temporary pumps for potential flooding.
Those who live in residential areas of North Beach had their trash picked up earlier than usual as crews were out as early as 6 a.m., Saturday.
Residents were advised to put their garbage bins as well as any other potential debris in a secure space.
At 2:33 p.m., 7News cameras captured people running along the shores of South Beach when it was supposed to be closed under tropical storm conditions.
People were also swimming in the water after the wind gusts picked up, which is dangerous because tropical storm winds can bring about a chance of rip currents.
Ocean Drive showed signs of life Saturday night after Isaias blasted strong wind and rain through the area.
“We noticed it was sunny, rainy, and I guess these are just outer bands making its way over our area,” Jason Rodriguez said.
“This weather is perfect for walking,” Alberto Cohen said. “That’s why we went for a walk this morning.”
Some people went out to enjoy the evening, saying they were thankful the storm was not worse.
As of Saturday night, there have been no serious reports of flooding in Miami Beach.
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