PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (FL) Network Response to Hurricane Milton Flooding along the West Coast of FL

Date: Fri, 11 Oct 2024 20:05:00 EDT

Summary: Staff in the CFWSC Tampa office have been reviewing the network following Hurricane Milton for high water measurement opportunities and gage repairs.

While still recovering from Hurricane Helene, the west coast of Florida started feeling the impacts of Hurricane Milton beginning later on Oct. 9 and through the night. The storm brought intense winds and heavy rainfall and widespread flooding throughout CFWSC Tampa coverage area. Cypress Creek, Alafia, Hillsborough, and Anclote Rivers are all at major flood stage. The Peace and Withlacoochee Rivers are slower responding rivers and expected to peak next week.

Six teams were deployed today for flood measurements and gage repairs. Fourteen measurements were made, and three gages were repaired. Six of the sites measured recorded period of record water levels with two of those sites still rising. The discharge measurement at Hillsborough River at State Park near Zephyrhills (02303000) doubled the highest measurement made in 1988.

Tomorrow, eight teams will be making additional flood measurements and gage repairs.