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Hurricane Ian

Hurricane Ian was one of the most powerful hurricanes to ever impact Florida, and the storm brought significant rainfall, storm surge, strong winds and tornadoes to the region. Rainfall from the storm was significant and there was a rapid rise in canals, lakes, ponds and rivers throughout the District.

South Florida has an interconnected water management system, and flood control in South Florida is a shared responsibility between the SFWMD, county and city governments, local drainage districts, HOAs, and residents. The District continues to operate the regional flood control system to move large amounts of water quickly and efficiently.

District crews installed and are operating several temporary pumps in key areas in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes to help keep water moving through the system and reduce flooding impacts to the nearby communities. District crews are closely monitoring water levels within the interconnected system of lakes and will continue to strategically deploy resources and utilize every structure possible to lower water body levels and move water away from communities. 

The SFWMD continues working to reduce regional lake levels in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes system and provide relief to impacted communities.

Additional District Actions

  • Continuing to work in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Osceola County, Orange County, City of Kissimmee and the City of St. Cloud to reduce flows of water into the regional lake system and provide relief to impacted communities.  
  • Continuing to work with Lee County to remove debris out of the drainage system. 
  • Continuing to coordinate with our local, state and federal partners including FEMA to support local recovery efforts. 

Safety Tips for Residents

  • Residents are reminded to avoid floodwaters and pay attention to their County Emergency Operations Center.
  • Residents who continue to experience an increasing amount of water that is impacting their property should report this flooding to their local drainage district. To find out which entity is responsible for your local drainage system, visit SFWMD.gov/FloodControl. Call 9-1-1 if you face life-threatening flooding.
  • Check out the infographic below for a close-up look at the interconnected drainage system and how flood control in South Florida is a shared responsibility between the District, county and city governments, local drainage districts, homeowner associations and residents.   
  • Rain Drain: What to expect in your neighborhood when it rains   

Navigation Notice 

Update as of 11/04/22: 

All South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) navigational locks are open. The S-65, S-65A, S-65D and S-65E boat locks along the Kissimmee River and the S-61 Southport boat lock were closed for public access to assist with alleviating high water conditions in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes after Hurricane Ian. 

In addition, there is a temporary change in operations for the S-310 Boat Lock in Clewiston.

Updated Operating Hours

  • The boat lock will be open daily from 5:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  • The boat lock will close each night from 8:00 p.m. - 5:30 a.m. and boaters will not be able to lock through the structure. 

In addition, boaters are encouraged to exercise caution on Kissimmee Lake/Kissimmee River (C-38 Canal) due to high water levels. Boaters may encounter rapidly flowing water and submerged hazards. Boaters are advised not to navigate near the State Road 60 Bridge toward the S-65 structure. There are possible obstructions in the water including debris and floating vegetation. 

In addition, the S-69 Weir is a new water control structure within the restored Kissimmee River floodplain that delivers water downstream to the C-38 Canal. It is located within the river between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad Bridge. It is approximately 2,000 feet north of the CSX Railroad Bridge. (27°20'39.9"N 81°02'05.3"W)

All recreators are advised to remain at least 1,500 feet away from the weir at all times. To bypass the weir, recreators should stay in the main Kissimmee River Channel and not deviate from the existing channel. With high river levels, the S-69 Weir may be difficult to see on the Kissimmee River. There are fast water conditions upstream of the weir and large volumes of water can quickly pull watercraft towards the structure in a matter of seconds. Water flow can also pull watercraft/swimmers and drag them below the water with such force they cannot escape. 

District Lands

Update as of 11/04/22:

All SFWMD-managed lands are open. SFWMD-managed lands in Lee and Collier County re-opened on October 26. SFWMD-managed lands in Monroe, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Okeechobee, Highlands, Glades and Charlotte counties re-opened on October 13. SFWMD-managed lands in Hendry, St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties re-opened on October 3. 

Please Note: District Lands that are open may have certain campgrounds and interior vehicle access roads that are temporarily closed. These include: Yates Marsh, Oak Creek, MICCO Landing, Paradise Run, Boney Marsh, Blanket Bay, Chandler Slough, Fort Basinger, S-65 Impoundment, Starvation Slough, KICCO (campgrounds only, vehicle day use still available at KICCO). Please make sure you check what is open/closed before you arrive. Please contact specialuselicense@sfwmd.gov with questions.

View the SFWMD Emergency Orders that were issued for Hurricane Ian

Emergency Order 2022-046
Emergency Order 2022-047
Emergency Order 2022-048
Emergency Order 2022-049
Emergency Order 2022-050
Emergency Order 2022-051 (Amending Emergency Order 2022-046)
Emergency Order 2022-052 (Amending Emergency Order 2022-047)
Emergency Order 2022-053 (Amending Emergency Order 2022-049)
Emergency Order 2022-054 (Amending Emergency Order 2022-049) 
Emergency Order 2022-056 (Terminating Emergency Order 2022-049) 

County Emergency Updates

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

Media Resources