NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA (352today.com) – The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) says that Hurricane Milton has brought record-breaking rainfall to the Withlacoochee River Basin, with major flooding forecasted as water levels continue to rise.

Chief Professional Engineer for the district, Mark Fulkerson, Ph.D, P.E., says that the storm’s impact has caused dramatic increases in river flows and water levels throughout the region, with some areas seeing the highest water marks in decades. Below is a detailed breakdown of the flooding impacts along different sections of the river and the efforts being made to manage the situation.

Key Points:

  • Rainfall Impact: Heavy rainfall from Hurricane Milton, with areas like the Green Swamp receiving up to 16 inches overnight.
  • Major Flooding Forecasted: The Withlacoochee River is expected to reach flood levels not seen since Hurricane Irma in 2017 and hurricanes of 2004.
  • Rising River Levels: Significant increases in river levels have already been observed, with some gauges reporting the highest levels in over 60 years.
Courtesy: SWFWMD

Flooding by Region:

Little Withlacoochee River (Sumter/Hernando Counties):
  • The river at US 301 rose 7 feet in just 3 days, marking its highest point since 1960.
  • Water levels are 1.5 feet higher than Hurricane Irma’s peak in 2017.
  • Although cresting, more floodwaters may push levels higher as drainage from the Green Swamp continues.
Courtesy: SWFWMD
Green Swamp to Gulf of Mexico:
  • Green Swamp: The Withlacoochee River has risen to historic levels, surpassing peaks from both Hurricane Irma (2017) and the 2004 hurricanes.
  • Trilby and Ridge Manor: River levels have risen 7 feet at Trilby and over 6 feet at Ridge Manor, expected to continue rising, potentially surpassing 1960 flood levels.
  • Nobleton and Hwy 48: These areas are expected to experience continued flooding for the next 10 days, with water levels forecasted to rise by another 2 feet.
Hwy 44 and Hwy 200:
  • Levels at Hwy 44 are within 7 inches of Hurricane Irma’s peak and may rise another 2-3 feet.
  • Hwy 200 is expected to see a rise of 3-4 feet, marking major flood stages in early November.
Dunnellon and Lake Rousseau:
  • The Inglis Dam remains open to manage high flows, discharging excess water into the Barge Canal.
  • Floodwaters upstream near Dunnellon are rising, and Lake Rousseau continues to be closely monitored as more water drains from the Green Swamp.
Courtesy: SWFWMD
Lower Withlacoochee River:
  • Following Hurricane Milton, the Lower Withlacoochee River avoided major storm surge but remains at high flow levels as the Inglis Dam continues to discharge into the Barge Canal.
Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes (Citrus County):
  • Lakes in the Tsala Apopka Chain rose 7-9 inches due to the storm.
  • Flood control structures are open to release excess water, helping to create space for future floodwaters.
  • The goal is to prevent the Withlacoochee River from rising further by diverting water into the lake chain when river levels peak.

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Lake Panasoffkee and Wysong Structure (Sumter County):
  • Lake Panasoffkee has risen 15 inches in 3 days due to high inflows.
  • The Wysong Structure remains fully lowered, and water levels are expected to keep rising for another two weeks as floodwaters continue to drain downstream.
Managing the Flood:
  • No water control structures exist in the Green Swamp, so floodwaters are moving naturally downstream.
  • Efforts are focused on controlling lake levels and using structures like the Wysong to manage downstream flows, but officials acknowledge that there is no way to fully prevent the river from flooding.

“My thoughts and prayers are with each of you impacted by flooding from Hurricane Milton,” says Fulkerson. “If you need any information, don’t hesitate to reach out.”