Emergency Storm Information
Southwest Florida Water Management District Hurricane Milton Post-Storm Resource »
– Many rivers in the Tampa Bay region have been severely impacted by flooding from Hurricane Milton.
Lake Thonotosassa: Setting the Record Straight »
– Despite reports that the District did not take measures to minimize flood risks for Lake Thonotosassa from Hurricane Milton, District structure operators lowered the lake to the maximum amount possible before the storm.
Flint Creek Structure on Lake Thonotosassa Under Water »
– The District has been receiving questions about its ability to move water out of Lake Thonotosassa through the Flint Creek water control structure.
Flooding After the Storm »
– Some areas of the District are still seeing rising floodwater. Flooding can occur days and even weeks after a storm due to numerous factors. Where, when and how much rainfall occurred are just some of the reasons for post-Milton flooding.
Major Flooding Expected along the Withlacoochee River »
– The Withlacoochee River is forecast to reach major flood stage in response to heavy rainfall from Hurricane Milton. The storm brought significant amounts of rain especially to the headwaters of the Withlacoochee River.
Rumor Control: Lake Jovita »
– The District does not control a dam on Lake Jovita in Pasco County and is not releasing water from Lake Jovita. Heavy rainfall from Hurricane Milton has caused extreme flooding in the region, but it is not related to the release of any water from the lake by the District.
Southwest Florida Water Management District 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
UPDATE: District Releasing Additional Water from Medard Reservoir to Protect the Reservoir’s Structural Integrity »
– The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is releasing additional water from the Medard Reservoir into the Alafia River to protect the structural integrity of the reservoir.
Hillsborough Flood Detention Area Continuing to Fill with Floodwaters »
– The Hillsborough Flood Detention Area (HFDA), which is instrumental in preventing flooding from the Hillsborough River in the cities of Temple Terrace and Tampa, is continuing to fill with floodwaters due to impacts from Hurricane Milton, resulting in some localized flooding on District-own
District Releasing Additional Water from Medard Reservoir to Protect the Reservoir’s Structural Integrity »
– The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is releasing additional water from the Medard Reservoir into the Alafia River to protect the structural integrity of the reservoir.
District Activates Tampa Bypass Canal System to Help Prevent River Flooding »
– The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) has activated the Tampa Bypass Canal System due to anticipated heavy rains from Hurricane Milton to help protect the cities of Temple Terrace and Tampa from river flooding.
District Raises Activation Level of Emergency Operations Center »
– Emergency Operations Center at Level 1 Activation
All District Offices to Close at Noon Tuesday, Oct. 8, and Will Remain Closed Through Thursday Oct. 10 »
– All Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) offices will close at noon Tuesday, Oct. 8 and will remain closed Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday Oct. 10 due to potential impacts from Hurricane Milton.
All District-Managed Campgrounds and Properties to Close at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8 »
– The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will close all District-managed campgrounds and properties to include trails and day use areas throughout its 16-county region at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, in anticipation of impacts from Hurricane Milton
Water Levels in Lake Tarpon Reduced in Anticipation of Storm Surge from Hurricane Milton »
– The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is releasing as much water out of Lake Tarpon as possible, however anticipated storm surge from Hurricane Milton is expected to overtop the structure.
District Monitors Hurricane Milton »
– Emergency Operations Center at Level 2 activation
EOC News: Timesheet Codes and Preparation Activities for Hurricane Milton »
– The District’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) staff are closely monitoring Hurricane Milton and the EOC will be at Level 2 activation starting at 8 a.m. Monday.
No Additional Updates for Hurricane Helene
District Reopens Campgrounds and Properties after Hurricane Helene »
– Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) land management staff have completed evaluations of all District-managed campgrounds and properties after Hurricane Helene and all trails and day use areas and the majority of campgrounds throughout its 16-county region are no
Water Levels in Lake Tarpon Reduced in Anticipation of Storm Surge from Hurricane Helene »
– The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) has released as much water out of Lake Tarpon as possible, however anticipated storm surge from Hurricane Helene is expected to overtop the structure.