Flood Information
Osceola County is committed to protecting residents and property owners from flood hazards. Learn how to manage floods in Osceola County.
Flood Safety Measures
If evacuation becomes necessary, be sure that you turn off all utility services at your main connection.
Action: Do not walk through flowing water
Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you walk in standing water, use a pole or stick to see how deep the water is.
Action: Do not drive through a flooded area
More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Do not drive around road barriers; the road or bridges further down the road may be washed out.
Action: Stay away from power lines and electrical wires
The number two flood killer after drowning is electrocution. Electric current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to the Power Company or County Emergency Management Office.
What is a Flood?
A flood is a general and temporary condition where water or mud covers two or more acres of normally dry land or two or more properties.
Floods can occur anywhere it rains and result from many conditions, such as hurricanes, broken levees, outdated or clogged drainage systems, and rapid accumulation of rainfall.
Flood risk is not based on history alone, but also on many factors that affect how water flows and accumulates, such as weather, terrain, and human activities.
Flood Facts: Need to Know
Here are the top three facts from Floodsmart.gov that someone would want or need to know during a flood:
- Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. You need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer if you want to protect your property from flood losses.
- It takes 30 days after purchase for a policy to take effect, so it’s important to buy insurance before the floodwaters start to rise. You can check your flood risk and eligibility for the Preferred Risk Policy by filling out the Flood Risk Profile.
- Floods and flash floods happen in all 50 states. Flood risk is not just based on history, but also on many factors such as rainfall, river flow, tidal surge, topography, flood-control measures, and changes due to building and development. Flash floods can bring walls of water 10 to 20 feet high and sweep away cars and people.
Action: Purchase a flood insurance policy
To read more flood facts, please visit Floodsmart.gov
Local Flood Hazard
Heavy storms cause water to pond and flood in flat Osceola County. Small ditches and streams can also overflow. Stormwater can clog street drains with leaves and debris, backing up water in low areas.
Action: Keep yard waste off the street to avoid clogging
Report Flooding and Early Concerns