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Hurricane Helene

The South Florida Water Management District (District) operates the regional water management system and continues to actively monitor, manage and adjust our primary water management system after Hurricane Helene.

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.

SFWMD Emergency Orders Issued on September 24 and September 25, 2024:
2024-065 Emergency Order
2024-066 Emergency Order
2024-067 Emergency Order
2024-068 Emergency Order
2024-070 Emergency Order
2024-071 Emergency Order

Recreation Lands Update:
All SFWMD-Managed Lands reopened on Friday, September 27, 2024.

Navigational Boat Locks Update: 
All District locks reopened on Friday, September 27, 2024 for their normal operating hours. Boaters can sign up for navigation alert text messages and emails here. Visit SFWMD.gov/Navigation for detailed information.

Reminders for Residents and Visitors:

  • If you face life-threatening flooding or are in imminent danger, call 9-1-1.
  • Avoid driving through flooded areas. When in doubt, turn around.
  • Ensure debris, trash cans, and other items are secured and cannot clog drainage ways.
  • Monitor any announcements from your County's Emergency Operations Center.
  • Do not drink, wade, or swim in floodwaters.
  • Read the infographic Rain Drain: What to Expect in Your Neighborhood When It Rains for a close-up look at the interconnected drainage system. Flooded roads, swales and ditches are expected during and after heavy rain events. In the event water is impacting your home, please report the flooding to your local drainage operator. Type in your address and look up your local drainage operator at SFWMD.gov/FloodControl.

District Actions:

  • Managed our canals to allow the regional flood control system to operate at full capacity.
  • Encouraged local governments, drainage operators, and communities to monitor the rainfall.
  • Operated operating key infrastructure including flood control gates and pump stations.

District Emergency Operation Center:
The District’s Emergency Operations Center is at Level 4 – Normal Operations.

County Emergency Updates:
Be sure to follow your County's Emergency Operations Center for the latest local emergency updates. SFWMD will continue to keep the public informed on our operations after the storm.

Get the latest updates from the SFWMD by following us on Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter.

Weather Radar:
SFWMD.gov/Weather