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Tropical Storm and Hurricane Preparations

Whenever a tropical storm or hurricane threatens the South Florida area, South Broward Drainage District (SBDD) actively prepares for any impacts that may be encountered from these storms.

SBDD’s preparations begin long before the impacts of the storm are felt.

  • SBDD monitors these storm systems on a continuous basis.
  • During Hurricane Season, SBDD operates its drainage system in a manner and effort to maintain water levels as close to the District’s Control Water Elevations (CWE) as possible. The CWEs are considered to be the low end of SBBD’s operating range and are established by permits with the State.
  • As the system approaches closer to South Florida, SBDD will begin operating its system in a manner and effort to begin lowering water levels below the CWE as authorized by the State.
  • The degree to which SBDD is able to lower water levels is dependent upon the physical constraints and capacities of the overall drainage system (ie: canals, pipe sizes, water levels, flood gates, pumps, engines, etc.).
  • Other factors that impact SBDD’s ability to lower water levels include the weather; and the levels of the State canals where SBDD drains its canals into. The lower these receiving water bodies/canals are, the more water SBDD is able to drain out of its system(s).
  • When necessary, SBDD will begin to operate its pumps to increase the rate of discharge and the levels to which water levels can be lowered.
  • SBDD coordinates with the State water management district, which is the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) as follows:
    • Weather forecasts and rainfall predictions for the South Florida area.
    • Operational issues related to the State’s canals, pump stations, flood gates, and water levels that impact SBDD’s systems.
    • Approvals to lower water levels and operate SBDD’s pump stations outside of the District’s permit conditions.
    • Regional conference calls is advance of impending storm systems.
  • SBDD also monitors the National Hurricane Center for forecasts, storm tracks, rainfall estimates, wind estimates, storm watches, and storm warnings.
  • SBDD performs daily and weekly inspections, testing, and maintenance of its systems to ensure that that all areas of the District are ready to operate to its maximum capacity.
  • All of SBDD’s stormwater pump stations are fully automated with back-up generators to allow these pump stations to operate even in the event of power outages.
  • SBDD encourages all of its property managers and HOAs to make sure that their drainage systems are open and free flowing, and that there are no blockages or restrictions, especially over drainage grates and drainage inlets.
  • For more information on SBDD’s Operations, go to https://www.sbdd.org/resources/district-operations/