District receives more than 4 inches of rain during weekend storms

LIVE OAK, FLA., DECEMBER 19, 2023 – Counties in the Suwannee River Water Management District (District) saw significant rainfall over the weekend as storms passed through the area on Saturday and Sunday.

The Districtwide average for rainfall was 4.4 inches from December 16-17, though total rainfall varied among counties. The northwestern counties in the District, including Hamilton, Jefferson, Madison, parts of Taylor, and most of Suwannee, received between 3 and 4 inches of rainfall.

Some portions of Dixie and Levy counties received more than six inches of rain during the two-day period.

Due to the high rainfall amounts, some areas are experiencing localized flooding. Several gages on the Santa Fe River, including the ones at O’Leno, Worthington Springs, and Three Rivers, currently show minor flood stage, as well as the gage at Lamont on the Aucilla River. Additional rain forecast for next week could increase chances of minor flooding.

Rainfall during the winter months is typically lower than other times of the year – the historic average for December is approximately 3.2 inches of rainfall Districtwide. However, the District is currently under an El Niño advisory, which typically means a wetter and cooler winter.

Those looking to monitor real-time rainfall can do so by visiting the District’s website as well as its impacts on our river and lake levels.

The mission of the Suwannee River Water Management District is to protect and manage water resources using science-based solutions to support natural systems and the needs of the public. Headquartered in Live Oak, Florida, the District serves 15 surrounding north-central Florida counties. 

For more information about the District, visit www.MySuwanneeRiver.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter. 

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