South Florida - Wednesday October 12, 2022: South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) reports that all lakes in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes are receding from their peak condition following Hurricane Ian.
The SFWMD continues to strategically deploy resources and utilize every structure possible to lower water body levels and move water away from communities.
SFWMD crews continue to work around the clock to reduce regional lake levels even more and the field crews will not stop working until flooding conditions are alleviated in the region.
The District is working in partnership with local, state and federal partners to keep water moving through the interconnected system of lakes and balance the flow of water in Central Florida.
Among the steps SFWMD is taking are:
• Working in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Osceola County, Orange County, City of Kissimmee and City of St. Cloud to reduce flows of water into the regional lake system and provide relief to impacted communities.
• Deploying additional high-volume pumps at strategic locations and many more pumps are being staged and getting ready for operation.
• Using water control structures and other navigational locks at full capacity to move water away from communities.
• Keeping the SFWMD's Emergency Operations Center at Level 1, Full Activation
Residents are reminded to avoid floodwaters, use caution when navigating waterways, avoid creating wakes near homes, and pay attention to their local Emergency Operations Center.
Learn more about the SFWMD’s ongoing response to Hurricane Ian and get the latest information about District operations HERE.