South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Executive Director Drew Bartlett provided an update today from the SFWMD’s Emergency Operations Center on the District’s continued response to Hurricane Ian.

Hurricane Ian is one of the most powerful hurricanes to ever impact Florida, and the storm is expected to continue 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.

South Florida has an interconnected water management system, and flood control in South Florida is a shared responsibility between the SFWMD, county and city governments, local drainage districts, HOAs, and residents. 

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 Ian, 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.

Residents who experience an increasing amount of water that is impacting their property should report this flooding to their local drainage district. To find out which entity is responsible for your local drainage system, visit SFWMD.gov/StormUpdate.

Safety Tips for Residents:

• When conditions are safe, check neighborhood ditches and swales to ensure they are free of debris. 
• Stay out of floodwaters even after storm conditions have passed.
• Heed warnings and follow guidance from your County Emergency Operations Center and local governments.

SFWMD will continue to keep the public informed on its emergency operations and flood control efforts for Hurricane Ian. Continue to check SFWMD's Hurricane Ian webpage and follow SFWMD on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates on our operations.

Media Resources

• Watch the 11:30 a.m., Sept. 28, 2022 Update
• Download the 11:30 a.m., Sept. 28, 2022 Update
• Interviews with water management officials may be coordinated with Jason Schultz at jschultz@sfwmd.gov.