10/09/2024 | Press release | Archived content
South Florida Water Management District (District) Executive Director Drew Bartlett provided an update today from the District's Emergency Operations Center on Hurricane Milton.
Hurricane Milton is a powerful hurricane, and the storm is expected to bring significant rainfall, storm surge, strong winds and tornadoes to the region. Rainfall from the storm is expected to result in a significant and rapid rise in canals, lakes, ponds and rivers throughout the District.
It is normal to see lakes temporarily rise and water flowing through streets to drains. After significant rainfall, water in streets, swales, yards and low-lying areas is expected.
In preparation for Hurricane Milton, water managers made pre-storm adjustments to operating levels for water control structures throughout the regional flood control system. The District continues to operate the regional flood control system to move large amounts of water quickly and efficiently.
Much of the Central and Southern Florida region has an interconnected water management system, and flood control is a shared responsibility between county/city governments, local drainage districts, communities (including Homeowner Associations or HOAs), and the District. In addition, the District will work with our drainage partners to provide as much drainage as possible in impacted areas.
Reminders for Residents and Visitors:
See the District's latest Rainfall Graphics and Weather Forecast.
Visit SFWMD.gov/HurricaneMilton for more information and get the latest updates from the SFWMD by following us on Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter.
Media Resources