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SFWMD Readies Water Management System for Subtropical Storm Nicole

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is closely monitoring Subtropical Storm Nicole and continues to prepare the regional water management system for anticipated storm-related impacts. The current forecast suggests this storm may produce heavy rainfall by Wednesday night and Thursday across the Florida Peninsula.

In preparation for Subtropical Storm Nicole, SFWMD continues to take proactive actions to increase the readiness of the regional flood control system. Preparations include:
• 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.
• Preparing to close navigational locks and lands.

In Central and Southern Florida, there is an interconnected water management system. Flood control is a shared responsibility between the SFWMD, county and city governments, local drainage districts, HOAs, and residents. SFWMD is strongly encouraging all local governments and local drainage operators to proactively monitor the storm and prepare their systems in anticipation of forecasted rainfall.
As we prepare for Subtropical Storm Nicole, you can also help reduce the potential for flooding impacts in your community by taking the following steps around your home:
• Check ditches and swales in your neighborhood to ensure they are free of debris.
• Clear neighborhood storm drains of debris.
• Secure objects that can blow away and get caught in a drainage infrastructure.
• Secure boats and other vessels.
• Don’t trim trees or create yard debris until after this storm has passed. Secure any yard debris in garages or other locations.
• Check community retention ponds and lakes for debris and any obstructions to pipes and contact the appropriate authority for removal. This could be an HOA, city, county, or local drainage district.
• Avoid entering standing or moving water once the storm begins to impact our region.

It is normal to see lakes and canals temporarily rise and water flowing through streets to drains. After significant rainfall, standing water in streets, swales, yards and low-lying areas is expected.

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

Be sure to closely follow your County’s Emergency Operations Center for the latest local updates. SFWMD will continue to keep the public informed on the District’s emergency operations.

Get the latest updates from the SFWMD by following us on Facebook and Twitter.

The South Florida Water Management District is a regional governmental agency that manages the water resources in the southern part of the state. It is the oldest and largest of the state’s five water management districts. Our mission is to safeguard and restore South Florida’s water resources and ecosystems, protect our communities from flooding, and meet the region’s water needs while connecting with the public and stakeholders.

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