Navigation through Burrell, Moss Bluff and Apopka locks suspended Sunday

The Moss Bluff Dam is currently discharging and is expected to be at or near regulation schedule today.

PALATKA, Fla., Aug. 1, 2020 — Due to the potential effects of Hurricane Isaias, navigation through the Burrell Lock, Moss Bluff Lock and Apopka Lock and Dam will be closed at sundown today and navigation suspended through Sunday.

Visit the district’s homepage, www.sjrwmd.com, for updates.

Other district preparation for Hurricane Isaias includes:

• The district’s emergency operations team is closely monitoring the storm’s path and water levels so we can provide information to the public and be prepared to assist our local government partners and other regional and state agencies if needed.
• The district will close vehicular access to the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive on Sunday to ensure public safety during Hurricane Isaias, which is forecast to impact Florida on Sunday.
• Ample water storage is available in the Upper St. Johns River Basin.
• In the Upper Ocklawaha River Basin, district water control structures are currently discharging and are expected to be at or near regulation schedule in all water bodies today.
• District staff are standing by with pumps to assist local governments with flooding concerns. Local governments are the primary entities responsible for emergency responses during storms, such as implementing state-of-emergency declarations, evacuations and rescue efforts during flood-related disasters.

Homeowners can be prepared for heavy rains by keeping debris out of storm drains and ditches; reporting clogged ditches to local governments; and cleaning out gutters and extending downspouts at least four feet from structures.

Bookmark the storm page on the district’s website, www.sjrwmd.com/storm, for easy access to flooding information, water levels, links to flood statements and warnings, river stages, local government emergency contacts, and other resources.