Hey folks, it’s a rainy afternoon in St. Johns County, and as always, Mother Nature has a way of keeping us on our toes. Just yesterday, the Florida Department of Transportation was busy monitoring some serious flooding on the I-95 North ramp from County Road 210. It was quite the sight—traffic cameras captured drivers splashing through the water like they were in some kind of bizarre water park ride. Thankfully, no backups were reported as of 2:30 p.m., but the National Weather Service had issued a Flood Advisory for our area until 3:30 p.m.
By 3:30, the flooding had receded, which was a relief. But it’s a stark reminder that we need to stay vigilant during these storms. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) are urging everyone to drive safely when the weather turns nasty. And they’ve got some solid advice for us—first off, turn on those headlights and windshield wipers! It’s the law in Florida to use your headlights when your wipers are in action. And remember to slow down. Wet pavement can be tricky, so maintain a safe stopping distance and avoid changing lanes or passing other vehicles. Most importantly, if you see flooded areas, just turn around. You never know what could be hiding under that water—could be washed-out roads or even downed power lines.
Understanding Flood Impact
If you want to keep tabs on flooding in real-time, the USGS has a fantastic tool called the Real-Time Flood Impact Map. It shows locations where critical infrastructure—think roads, bridges, and buildings—are at risk of flooding. When the water level at nearby USGS streamgages exceeds a certain height, a symbol pops up on the map indicating that the area might be underwater. How cool is that? You can even click on these symbols to see the current conditions and gauge heights.
Some of these flood impact locations can actually warn you before flooding occurs, showing measurements below the actual flood level. Pretty neat, right? And hey, if you’re curious about how this works, you can check it out here. Just last year, on June 30, 2024, a location in St. Paul, MN, was marked for flooding, confirmed by both gauge readings and webcam images. It’s a reminder that flooding can happen anywhere, anytime.
Stay Informed and Safe
Flood risk is a daily reality in the U.S., and it’s crucial to stay informed. The National Weather Service has a dedicated site that’s all about flood safety, offering guidance on what to do before, during, and after a flood. You can find interactive maps that show various types of flooding and resources to help educate folks on the dangers involved. They’re even asking for survivor stories to help spread awareness—if you’ve got one, they want to hear it!
So, whether you’re navigating through puddles on I-95 or checking out the latest flood updates on the USGS map, let’s all remember to stay safe out there. Drive carefully, keep your eyes peeled for rising waters, and don’t hesitate to turn around if you encounter a flooded road. It’s all about keeping ourselves and our fellow Floridians safe!