District prepares for potential impact of Invest 97L

The seven-day rainfall forecast indicates that most of the St. Johns River Water Management District’s 18-county region can expect five or more inches of rain.

PALATKA, Fla., Aug. 2, 2024 — The St. Johns River Water Management District is monitoring the tropics as Invest 97L is expected to develop further and potentially impact Florida throughout the weekend.

While the storm’s exact landfall location remains uncertain, the District’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) team and executive leadership are ensuring the District is ready should the storm continue to organize and become a threat to the region.

Property owners can prepare for possible heavy winds and rains now by:

• Keeping debris out of storm drains and ditches,
• Reporting clogged ditches to local governments,
• Pruning weaker limbs from trees,
• Cleaning out gutters and extending downspouts at least four feet from structures.

Residents are encouraged to follow their county’s Emergency Operations Center for the latest local emergency updates. These centers are 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.

Florida Governor DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for most of the District’s 18-county region. Access the full order here.

Visit the District’s website at www.sjrwmd.com/storm for information and links to flood statements and warnings, river stages, and local government emergency contacts.