SFWMD Prepares for Heavy Rainfall from Tropical Depression Nine
The South Florida Water Management District issued the flowing news release.
Kissimmee, FL – “The South Florida Water Management District today is taking operational measures to ensure flood protection to residents in the Kissimmee River area as rains from Tropical Depression Nine fall throughout South Florida.
Approximately two to three inches of rain are forecast to fall over the next two days in the Kissimmee River Valley and Upper Chain of Lakes areas from the storm.
The SFWMD today increased the rate of releases from Lake Kissimmee to the Kissimmee River by 400 cubic feet per second to create capacity for the rainfall. District officials are also watching the Upper Chain of Lakes such as East Lake Tohopekaliga and will increase releases from those lakes if needed because of heavy rains. All of those lakes are currently within their recommended regulation level.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers controls releases from Lake Okeechobee to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries. The Corps is expected to make a decision later this week on any changes to lake releases due to heavy rainfall from the storm.”
