District takes additional precautions as Hurricane Ian approaches west coast
District urges residents to take precautions as the forecast is predicting heavy rainfall across the 18-county region.
District urges residents to take precautions as the forecast is predicting heavy rainfall across the 18-county region.
PALATKA, Fla., Sept. 28, 2022 — In anticipation of heavy rainfall, the St. Johns River Water Management District continues to proactively take steps to help minimize flooding. In the Upper St. Johns River Basin and Upper Ocklawaha River Basin, the District manages a system of spillways, pump stations, levees, and canals. Using these structures, the District can adjust water levels for additional flood protection. Staff continues to manage these control structures around the clock to maximize available storage for the storm event.
The Department of Emergency Management is currently projecting heavy rainfall, with projected rainfall exceeding 15” in parts of the District. With these levels of rainfall, residents should brace for widespread flooding for several days following the storm.
Be sure to follow your county’s Emergency Operations Center for the latest local emergency updates. They serve as the primary entities responsible for emergency responses during storms including implementing state-of-emergency declarations, evacuations and rescue efforts during flood-related disasters. The District may assist local governments in their response and recovery efforts.
Visit the District’s website at www.sjrwmd.com/localgovernments/flooding/ for information and links to flood statements and warnings, river stages, and local government emergency contacts.
About the St. Johns River Water Management District
St. Johns River Water Management District staff are committed to ensuring the sustainable use and protection of water resources for the benefit of the people of the District and the State of Florida. The St. Johns River Water Management District is one of five districts in Florida managing groundwater and surface water supplies in the state. The District encompasses all or part of 18 northeast and east-central Florida counties. District headquarters are in Palatka, and staff also are available to serve the public at service centers in Apopka, Jacksonville and Palm Bay.