SFWMD Continues 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
This image shows the National Hurricane Center's forecasted path for Tropical Storm Dorian as of 11 a.m. on Aug. 27, 2019. Click on the image to visit the National Hurricane Center's website and get the latest forecast information on the storm.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - With the National Weather Service forecasting that Tropical Storm Dorian may impact South Florida over this weekend, t
he South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is continually monitoring the storm preparing the regional flood protection system to protect communities from flooding and handle possible heavy local rainfall from the tropical disturbance.
SFWMD Meteorologists are predicting local maximum rainfall as high as 6-8 inches in some areas over the weekend. SFWMD will continue to keep the public updated on its emergency operations and flood control efforts as Tropical Storm Dorian approaches.
SFWMD is drawing down canals throughout its regional flood
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 such as recently completed bridges that have raised portions of Tamiami Trail to move water south out of the water management areas.
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.
The South Florida Water Management District is a regional governmental agency that manages the water resources in the southern part of the state. It is the oldest and largest of the state's five water management districts. Our mission is to safeguard and restore South Florida's water resources and ecosystems, protect our communities from flooding, and meet the region's water needs while connecting with the public and stakeholders.
