Riviera Beach officials warn of long recovery after 1-in-1,000-year flood devastates neighborhoods

Riviera Beach officials gave an update Tuesday afternoon regarding severe flooding, the limits of the city's emergency response, road closures and recovery support as crews worked to reach neighborhoods left devastated by what officials called an approximately 1-in-1,000-year rainfall event.

WATCH BELOW: Riviera Beach officials brief public on flooding and road closures

Mayor Douglas Lawson said emergency teams will stop entering flooded communities after 6 p.m., except for medical emergencies or life-threatening situations.

"Residents needing evacuation assistance are urged to contact the Emergency Operations Center before then and not to wait, as flooding may worsen," Lawson said.

Officials cited about 15.5 inches of rain, with roughly 15 to 20 inches falling within six hours. Flooding has affected Lone Pine Estates, Turtle Cave, 1000 Oaks, Indian Trace and Woodbot, with Lone Pine described as especially devastated.

The city has activated its Emergency Operations Center to Level 2 in response to the heavy rain and street flooding across western Riviera Beach. City departments and emergency crews are coordinating closely to protect residents and restore safe conditions as quickly as possible.

WATCH RELATED: Riviera Beach flooding swamps Lone Pine community

The city said county rescue operations have assisted residents in Long Pine and other flooded neighborhoods.

"The county has opened a shelter at the Therapeutic Recreation Center in Lake Worth, near Palm Beach State College," County Commissioner Bobby Powell Jr. said.

The city said it is coordinating bottled water, pallets and ready-to-eat meals with Palm Beach Harvest and Sincere 2000. Residents are advised to stay safe and sheltered as conditions allow, while staff attempt supply deliveries.

Residents can contact the Emergency Operations Center at 877-257-2374 rather than calling 911 for non-emergency communications.

Blue Heron Boulevard is closed after a wastewater force main ruptured across the road, city officials said.

"The closure is expected to last at least until Thursday morning, with reopening by Wednesday night as goal but not a guarantee," said Richard Gallant, the assistant utility director.

As wastewater lift stations back up, residents are being asked to limit household water use, including flushing toilets and doing laundry.

"Pumps are operating on North and South Canterbury, and three pump trucks are working, with four more expected that evening," Gallant said.

The city said Florida Power & Light will not enter flooded communities until water subsides. Officials provided no timeline for when floodwater would recede enough for emergency crews and FPL to re-enter affected areas.

Lawson and Powell said city and county teams are coordinating rescues and recovery support, with county, city, state and regional partners coordinating temporary housing, food, transportation and recovery resources.

Officials are requesting that the governor include Palm Beach County in the state emergency declaration, which could unlock state and FEMA assistance.