Flood Reduction Efficiency of the Water-Management System in Dade County (Miami), Florida

by Bradley G. Waller, US Geological Survey, Miami, FL, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Water Forum '86: World Water Issues in Evolution

Abstract:

Two tropical weather systems, Hurricane Donna (1960) and Tropical Storm Dennis (1981), produced nearly equivalent amounts of rainfall in a 48-hour period south of the Miami (Florida) area. These two systems caused extensive flooding over a 600-square mile area, which is primarily agricultural and low density residential. The 1960 and 1981 storms caused the highest water levels recorded in south Dade County since flood-control measures were initiated for south Florida in 1949. Ground-water levels during both storms rose 4 to 8 feet over most of the area causing widespread inundation. Operation of the water-management system in 1981 provided flood protection and rapid recession of ground-water levels thereby minimizing damage.

Subject Headings: Floods | Water management | Hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones | Water resources | Tropical regions | Storms | Rain water | Florida | United States | Miami

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