Orlando, FL
- South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) gates and flood control structures in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes are operating at maximum practical capacity to lower water levels in anticipation of a tropical disturbance passing over South Florida. The disturbance is expected to drop heavy rains over areas still recovering from high water caused by Hurricane Irma. The SFWMD is coordinating with local water managers and drainage districts to prepare for the storm's expected impacts.
Northern areas of the District, such as Lake Hart, Lake Myrtle, Lake Ajay and East Lake Tohopekaliga, are forecast to receive an average of 3 inches of rain over the next three days with local maximums of more than 8 inches of rain possible. Areas along Shingle Creek and Boggy Creek could also receive heavy rainfall.
These northern areas of the District have already received 8 to 12 inches of rain earlier this month from Hurricane Irma. All SFWMD flood control structures have been moving water out of these lakes to lower levels since the storm. However, these lakes are still well above their regulation schedules for this time of year. Heavy rainfall from the disturbance could cause additional impacts in county-controlled and locally controlled drainage areas that are upstream of the areas drained directly by the SFWMD.
If any municipality or drainage district experiences areas of localized impacts, they are encouraged to contact SFWMD immediately. Staff will assess those situations and see if there is anything further that can be done on a case-by-case basis.
For more updates on SFWMD's work:
