SFWMD Preparing Regional Flood Control System
for Forecasted Rainfall from Tropical Storm Dorian
District lowering canals, coordinating with local drainage districts to ensure flood protection for 8.7 million residents as storm approaches
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - With Tropical Storm Dorian forecasted to approach South Florida next weekend, t
he South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is preparing the regional flood protection system to protect communities from flooding and handle possible heavy local rainfall from the tropical disturbance.
SFWMD is drawing down canals throughout its regional flood
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Click on the image to see a larger version of the infographic explaining drainage and flood protection is South Florida. |
control system to ensure capacity to take stormwater from local drainage districts and municipalities to prevent flooding. The District also collaborates with local drainage districts and municipalities throughout the week to coordinate flood control efforts as Tropical Storm Dorian approaches.
SFWMD is also working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to utilize every available structure to move water south out of the water management areas. Last week the USACE approved a change to operating procedures requested by SFWMD that will allow the District to raise the level of the L-29 Canal in South Miami-Dade County and move more water south to Everglades National Park. The USACE is also utilizing recently completed flood control infrastructure along the C-111 Canal in South Miami-Dade County to keep water in Everglades National Park and prevent flooding on nearby land.
SFWMD will continue to keep the public updated on its emergency operations and flood control efforts as Tropical Storm Dorian approaches.
Background
Flood control in South Florida is a shared responsibility between the District, which operates the regional flood control system, and local drainage districts, municipalities and homeowners associations that operate the primary and secondary drainage systems that move flood waters away from homes and neighborhoods. Residents throughout South Florida can find what local agency to contact about flooding concerns based on their address by visiting the District's Flood Control website at
sfwmd.gov/floodcontrol.
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