Average annual rainfall is below average districtwide
PALATKA, Fla., Nov. 15, 2016 — Despite experiencing above average rainfall across most of the St. Johns River Water Management District during October, the district continues to see a deficit when compared to a 12-month average. A full report outlining rainfall totals for October and the previous 12 months was presented at November’s Governing Board meeting.
“When storms like Hurricane Matthew bring a lot of rain in just a short amount of time, we stand ready to work with community partners to expedite recovery efforts and implement flood relief measures,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “At the same time, we are working to find ways to store more water, like through our dispersed water storage projects, to help compensate for these times when we see less than average rainfall. Water conservation is a must for the district and residents to ensure our water supply for years to come.”
During October, most of the rainfall within the district occurred within the first nine days of the month, leading up to and including Hurricane Matthew. After the storm moved away from Florida’s coast, most of the district received less than one inch of rain between Oct. 10 and Oct. 31.
- Interior counties such as Baker, Alachua and Marion, were the least impacted by the hurricane and received below average rainfall throughout the month.
- Clay County received 6.82 inches, nearly twice its average for the month.
- Duval County received 11.12 inches of rain, 6.75 inches above average.
Districtwide, rainfall over the past 12 months is still below average.
- Central and northern counties are experiencing a deficit compared to the yearly average. The greatest rainfall deficits are in Baker, which is 11 inches below average, and Flagler, which is 8.8 inches below average.
- Counties with the highest 12-month rainfall totals include Indian River with 4.79 inches above average, Osceola with 10.48 inches above average, southern Brevard with 2.82 above average and central Orange with 1.18 inches above average.
County-by-county precipitation reports and other data is available online at hydroconditions report.
The district’s hydrologic data collection program collects, processes, manages and disseminates hydrologic and meteorological data that are used for consumptive use permitting, water shortage management, establishment of minimum flows and levels, water supply planning and management, environmental protection and restoration projects, and operation of district flood control facilities.