Hurricane Andrew in South Florida: Preparing a Water Management System for Disaster

by Vinio Floris, South Florida Water Management, District, United States,
Cathleen Vogel Anclade, South Florida Water Management, District, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Hydraulic Engineering

Abstract:

This paper analyzes Hurricane Andrew from its beginning as a tropical storm to the powerful force that it later became. The careful monitoring that took place throughout its transformation is described by analyzing, step by step, the meteorological characteristics and hydrological conditions created (namely storm surge depth, central pressure and winds at different locations). Special emphasis is given to the storm's impact on South Florida and to its effects along its path. It also describes how water operational emergency measures were carried out in an organized manner in order to mitigate the effects of the storm event. Special consideration is given to the actions related to the operation of the water network infrastructure and the continued coordination of all decisions both inside the South Florida Water Management District and with private and public agencies and community groups. This paper is one of two that assess and analyze Hurricane Andrew. The second one, Hurricane Andrew in South Florida: Steps to Recovery and Lessons Learned, describes the effects of Andrew including the damages caused to the water network and provides a list of valuable information related to what the District and other agencies have learned from such a experience.

Subject Headings: Hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones | Water management | Storm surges | Emergency management | Wind pressure | Water supply systems | Water supply | Florida | United States

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