Tropical Storm Update
Category
South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Executive Director Drew Bartlett provided an update this afternoon from the SFWMD’s Emergency Operations Center on the District’s preparation efforts for Tropical Storm Nicole.
District Actions
- Managing our canals to lower, pre-storm levels to allow the flood control system to operate at full capacity.
- Monitoring, testing, and actively adjusting flood protection gates and pumps in response to the forecast and rainfall.
- Deploying resources in hardened facilities throughout the District to immediately provide recovery response.
- Coordinating with local governments and local drainage operators. Local drainage operators and governments must proactively monitor the storm and prepare their drainage systems.
- Ensuring pump station operators are ready to continue operations during and after the storm.
- Closing all SFWMD-managed locks to public access at the end of regular operating hours tonight, Tuesday, November 8.
- Closing SFWMD-managed lands in Orange, Osceola, Polk, Highlands, Okeechobee, Glades, Hendry, St. Lucie, Martin and Palm Beach counties at 5:00 p.m. today, Tuesday, November 8.
- Moving the SFWMD's Emergency Operations Center to Level 1, Full Activation tomorrow, Wednesday, November 9.
Navigation Safety Reminders
- Boaters are reminded to exercise caution when navigating waterways.
- Boaters are advised not to navigate near the State Road 60 Bridge toward the S-65 structure. Remain at least 1,500 feet away from the S-69 Weir at all times. Stay in the main Kissimmee River Channel and do not deviate from the existing channel.
- Boaters should secure their boats prior to the onset of tropical storm conditions.
Residents are reminded to pay attention to their County's Emergency Operations Center. SFWMD will continue to keep the public informed on its emergency operations. Visit SFWMD.gov for more information and continue to follow SFWMD on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates on our operations.
Media Resources
- Watch the Nov. 8 Update
- Download the Nov. 8 Update
- Interviews with water management officials may be coordinated with Randy Smith at rrsmith@sfwmd.gov or Jason Schultz at jschultz@sfwmd.gov.