information from other local municipalities is below as well
SWFWMD
On Saturday the Southwest Florida Water Management District had this flood response update:
The District continues to monitor lake and river levels and manage its water control structures around the clock during this historic flooding event caused by Hurricane Milton.
Lake and River Level Update
- Lake water levels in most areas are starting to decline and most structures are discharging at maximum capacity.
- Upper portions of the Hillsborough River have crested and are beginning to decline while the lower portions are continuing to rise.
- Cypress Creek, which is a major tributary of the Hillsborough River, is at major flood stage and is still rising.
- Water levels throughout the Alafia River have crested and are beginning to decline.
Here’s an update on several of the major systems the District is operating:
Tampa Bypass Canal System
The Southwest Florida Water Management District is continuing to store all of the high river flows from the upper portions of the Hillsborough River and are successfully detaining and moving the water. The District does not have a way to detain and move flood water from Cypress Creek.
The District is currently moving more than 4 million gallons of water per minute through the Tampa Bypass Canal S-160 structure into McKay Bay to protect the cities of Tampa and Temple Terrace from river flooding.
The District activated the Tampa Bypass Canal System on Tuesday, Oct. 8 in response to heavy rains in the Tampa Bay area from Hurricane Milton. This action closed the Hillsborough River to boaters and redirected water to the Hillsborough Flood Detention Area resulting in some localized flooding on District-owned lands and Morris Bridge Road.
The Tampa Bypass Canal System, constructed in response to massive flooding caused by Hurricane Donna in 1960, and is made up of three elements: the Hillsborough Flood Detention Area (HFDA) or reservoir, the Tampa Bypass Canal and the Harney Canal. Floodwaters from the Hillsborough River are impounded into the 16,000-acre HFDA. As the reservoir fills with floodwaters from the river and the surrounding 450-square-mile watershed, the flows then enter the 15.7-mile Tampa Bypass Canal, which has five flood control structures located along the canal. The flows are then safely diverted to McKay Bay, protecting the cities of Temple Terrace and Tampa from river flooding.
For more information on the Tampa Bypass Canal System, visit WaterMatters.org/projects/tampa-bypass-canal-system
Medard Reservoir
The District has stopped emergency pumping at the Medard Reservoir.
The water levels at Medard are now dropping quickly through normal operating procedures at about 1 inch every three hours, and the reservoir is down 1 foot from the peak.
The District began emergency pumping at the Medard Reservoir Thursday, Oct. 10 to protect the structural integrity if the reservoir. The Alafia River was at Major Flood Stage and the emergency release was less than 1% of the overall flow in the river.
The District is currently releasing 600 cubic feet per second (cfs) from the structure per its normal operating procedures to lower the reservoir an additional 4 feet to protect its structural integrity.
From Hillsborough County Communications
Hillsborough County, FL. (Oct. 11, 2024) – In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, residents of Hillsborough County are facing ongoing challenges as major flooding continues to escalate in several areas. The National Weather Service has issued multiple flood warnings throughout the county, indicating that dangerous conditions are expected to persist.
Flood Warnings in Effect
The following locations are under a flood warning until further notice:
Hillsborough River Near Zephyrhills at Hillsborough River State Park
Hillsborough River at Morris Bridge
Alafia River from U.S. 301 to Lithia-Pinecrest Road
Little Manatee River at Wimauma at U.S. 301
Particular caution is advised in areas along the Alafia River, where water levels are projected to rise even further today.
Streets at risk of flooding include:
Carr Road
Bell Shoals Road
Estelle Avenue
Park Drive
Alafia Boulevard
Fishhawk Boulevard
And many others
Residents living in these areas are urged to seek higher ground for safety.
Understanding Flood Alerts
It’s crucial for residents to understand the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning. A flood watch indicates that conditions are favorable for flooding, while a flood warning signifies that a hazardous weather event is imminent or already occurring. Flooding can happen quickly, often in areas where rainwater collects or near riverbanks.
Preparedness is Key
To ensure personal safety, residents in flood-prone areas should take proactive measures:
Know how to shut off electricity and gas in your home before flooding occurs.
Create a list of emergency contacts and identify a safe place to go if evacuation becomes necessary.
Store insurance policies, important documents, and medications in a secure location.
For more information on flood safety and property protection, visit Flood Safety and Information.
Stay Connected and Informed
Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed through HCFL Alert, Hillsborough County’s official public notification system. By registering, you can receive important emergency messages via email, phone, and text. Visit HCFL.gov/HCFLAlert to sign up.
For the latest updates on emergency situations, go to HCFL.gov/StaySafe. If you do not have digital access, you can call the county’s storm information helpline at (833) HC STORM or (833) 427-8676.
Personal safety should always be a priority. Stay alert and be prepared as Hillsborough County navigates the ongoing challenges posed by flooding in the wake of Hurricane Milton.
The precautionary boil water notice issued by Hillsborough County on Oct. 10 in the Hillsborough County Water Resources Department’s South Central drinking water system impacting some customers in the Seffner / North Brandon area has been lifted.
Zephyrhills
The City of Zephyrhills said on Saturday that, “Due to the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, our City of Zephyrhills sewer system is under extreme strain and cannot keep up.
We ask residents to please refrain from flushing toilets as this is causing the biggest problem.
We also ask all residents to immediately limit potable water use to help alleviate the pressure on the system. Minimizing water use at this time is critical to prevent further issues.”
