OSCEOLA COUNTY UPDATE FOR HURRICANE IAN: TUESDAY
Published on October 04, 2022
IAN-10
Osceola County, Florida – Osceola County leaders and state water managers continue to work collaboratively for modeling and monitoring the water levels in the system of lakes and canals that continue to carry Hurricane Ian's flood waters. While levels are stabilizing in many areas on Tuesday, residents in critical areas should continue to be on the alert for the possibility of flooding.
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is increasing drainage out of East Lake Toho with five emergency pumps in addition to the maximizing flows using the S-59, the existing water control structure, to decrease water levels in East Lake Toho, Fells Cove, and Lake Ajay. Flows out of Lake Hart and Lake Mary Jane are being closely regulated to mitigate flooding impacts for communities around those lakes in addition to Lake Ajay and Fells Cove. Additional flows into Lake Hart and Lake Mary Jane from Lake Myrtle have also stopped.
East Lake Tohopekaliga is projected to stabilize in the coming week, about a foot higher than before Ian.
Potential Impacts from Rising Levels in Lake Toho Identified
Osceola County and the City of Kissimmee released a map that provides a visual reference for residents to identify areas bordering or close to Lake Toho that may be affected by rising lake levels. The map identifies any area at or below the same elevation Lake Toho is expected to reach and does not reflect any guarantee that such areas would see flood waters.
SFWMD has projected that Lake Toho will rise to approximately 57.2’, which is 0.3 feet higher than the lake’s current stage as of noon on October 4, 2022. The SFWMD projection estimates the lake will reach its peak around October 7. Minor changes could occur relating to timing and change in lake elevation, given that this is only a model.
Officials ask residents to review the map and take any necessary action to keep themselves, families, and property safe as we continue monitoring water levels. If residents need to evacuate, the Osceola Heritage Park shelter (pet-friendly) is open.
For more information and to check the interactive map, visit www.osceola.org/go/hurricane (Osceola County) or www.kissimmeeresponds.com (City of Kissimmee).
Safety Precautions and Reminders
- The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County (FDOH-Osceola) reminds everyone to:
- Avoid flood waters as it poses health risks and people should avoid playing, swimming or standing in it.
- Remain diligent in their personal mosquito protection efforts, as heavy rains and flooding can lead to an increase in mosquitoes. Remembers the “5 D’s” for prevention:
- Dusk and Dawn – Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active.
- Dress – Wear clothing that covers most of your skin.
- DEET – When the potential exists for exposure to mosquitoes, repellents containing DEET are recommended. Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are other repellent options.
- Drain – Check around your home and drain standing water when possible.
- The Toho Water Authority asks residents and visitors to continue to help reduce strain on wastewater facilities that continue to feel the strain from the flooding caused by Hurricane Ian by:
- Only using water when necessary
- Reduce dishwasher and clothes washer use
- Turn off irrigation systems
- Report sewer backups by contacting Toho’s customer service at 407-944-5000
Shelters
Two shelters are operating in the County, both located at Osceola Heritage Park.
- Events Center/Osceola Heritage Park (Special Needs, pet friendly)
1901 Chief Osceola Trail, Kissimmee, FL 34744
- Silver Spurs Arena/Osceola Heritage Park (General population, pet friendly)
1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee, FL 34744
Sandbag Locations
Sandbag operations continue daily at two locations:
Boil Water Alerts
The Florida Department of Health’s Osceola County office has issued several boil water alerts which are available online here.
Boat Ramps
All boat ramps operated by Osceola County will remain closed until further notice. Please contact 407-742-8653 for further information.
Volunteering and Donations
For information on how you can help, to sign up to become a volunteer or to make donations, please visit our website here.
Recovery Assistance
Residents and business owners can apply for disaster assistance at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time, or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
ACTUALIZACIÓN DEL CONDADO OSCEOLA PARA HURACÁN IAN: MARTES
Condado Osceola, Florida – Los líderes del Condado Osceola y los administradores estatales de agua continúan trabajando en colaboración para modelar y monitorear los niveles de agua en el sistema de lagos y canales que continúan transportando las aguas de inundación del huracán Ian. Mientras los niveles se están estabilizando en muchas áreas el martes, los residentes en áreas críticas deben continuar alerta ante la posibilidad de inundaciones.
El Distrito de Administración del Agua del Sur de la Florida (SFWMD, por sus siglas en inglés) está aumentando el drenaje de East Lake Toho con cinco bombas de emergencia además de maximizar los flujos utilizando el S-59, la estructura de control de agua existente, para disminuir los niveles de agua en East Lake Toho, Fells Cove y el lago Ajay. Los flujos que salen del lago Hart y el lago Mary Jane se están regulando de cerca para mitigar los impactos de las inundaciones en las comunidades alrededor de esos lagos, además del lago Ajay y Fells Cove. También se han detenido flujos adicionales hacia el lago Hart y el lago Mary Jane desde el lago Myrtle.
Se proyecta que East Lake Tohopekaliga se estabilice en la próxima semana, aproximadamente un pie más alto que antes de Ian.
Se Identifican Posibles Impactos de la Subida del Nivel del Lago Toho
El Condado Osceola y la ciudad de Kissimmee han publicado un mapa que proporciona una referencia visual para que los residentes identifiquen las áreas que bordean o están cerca del