Live weather blog: Minor flooding expected in numerous Lee County neighborhoods today (2024)

Mark H. BickelFort Myers News-Press

The News-Press is monitoring the weather today in Lee County. Here' what to know:

Governor DeSantis declares state of emergency for Lee, Collier

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday declared a "major state of emergency" for Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade and Sarasota counties after heavy rains swamped much of the southern part of the state, causing significant flooding.

The move came in anexecutive orderissued by the governor Wednesday evening.

Gladiolus and Summerlin intersection flooded, impassable

Drivers should steer clear of the Gladiolus Drive and Summerlin Road intersection in south Fort Myers, per the Lee County Sheriff's Office. The roadways are covered with flood waters, the results of two days of intense rain in the area.

A sheriff's office Facebook post said the agency is working with county partners to address the situation. "Utilize other routes and be mindful of standing water along alternate routes as well," it said.

What's happening with the rain event in the City of Fort Myers?

In Fort Myers, City Councilman Lin Bochette said as of Wednesday, things still looked good.

“We escaped the potential damage of such a hard rain,” he said. “First, our storm drains worked very well, second, we didn't have a high tide surge, third, the bands allowed for significant run off. Sarasota got it far worse than Fort Myers did.”

Bochette sees the storm as an important reminder to get ready for the real thing: hurricane season. “The hurricane center has been warning us. We need to alert our citizens how to prepare *now,* he said.

What's happening with the rain event on Sanibel?

Early Wednesday afternoon, Sanibel announced flooding had temporarily closed parking lots at Blind Pass and Lighthouse Beach Park and said it would announce the re-openings. At Lighthouse Beach on the gulfside parking lot is closed. The bayside lots remain open, Jackson said.

What's happening with the rain event on Cape Coral?

Despite early morning and midday downpours across Southwest Florida, Cape Coral Fire and Police have said they currently have no road closures or reports of flooding in the Cape.

"If you come across standing water, as the saying goes, 'turn around, don't drown,'" said Cape Coral Police public affairs officer Lisa Greenberg. "It's always hard to tell how deep it is."

Statement from Florida Power & Light about rain event

FPL is actively responding to outages as severe weather, including heavy wind gusts, possible tornados, flooding, and lightning continues to movethrough Florida. We encourage our customers to keep safety top of mind, especially in flooded areas. For up-to-date information regarding outages, customers can visit FPL.com or download the FPL Mobile App. 

Where to expect flooding to occur in Lee County today

At 11:28 a.m., doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. This will cause urban and small stream flooding. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen.

  • Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected over the area.
  • This additional rain will result in minor flooding.
  • Some locations that will experience flooding include: Fort Myers, Southwest Florida Airport, East Dunbar, Villas, Pine Manor, Buckingham, San Carlos Park, Three Oaks, Cypress Lake, McGregor, Harlem Heights, Olga, Iona, Charleston Park, Gateway, Page Park, Page Field Airport, Fort Myers Villas, Whiskey Creek and Tice.

Wednesday's weather forecast: How much more rain will we get in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Florida?

According to AccuWeather:

  • THIS MORNING: Expect more showers and thunderstorms from the tropical rainstorm as well as areas of flooding with difficult travel likely.
  • THIS AFTERNOON: It will be mostly cloudy and humid with showers and thunderstorms.
  • FLOOD ADVISORIE/WARNINGS: Check the National Weather Service for conditions where you live.

More: Weather Words: 10 creative ways we've heard experts describe all of this rain in Florida

3 links to weather-related stories for you: flooding, safety tips and more

  • FINDING YOUR FLOOD ZONE-LEE COUNTY: Here
  • WHAT'S CLOSED, CANCELED, POSTPONED: Here
  • TAX-FREE SUPPLIES INFO: Here
  • AIRPORT STATUS: Here

Video: Rain hammer Gateway in Fort Myers

Live weather blog: Minor flooding expected in numerous Lee County neighborhoods today (1)

Live weather blog: Minor flooding expected in numerous Lee County neighborhoods today (2)

Heavy rain hammering Florida including Naples and Fort Myers.

The tropical air mass is dumping significant amounts of rain on Southwest Florida this week.

More weather emergency notifications and resources for Lee County

During emergencies or larger disasters it is important that residents and visitors stay informed.Lee County Emergency Management has multiple waysfor you to get the mostupdated disaster-related information through its AlertLee mass notification systems that is connected to phone, text, email and social media.

Lee County Emergency Management (LCEM) administers and maintains the AlertLee mass notification system for the purpose of alerting citizens to natural and man-made emergencies.

More details:Here

Live weather blog: Minor flooding expected in numerous Lee County neighborhoods today (2024)

FAQs

Which counties are flooded in Florida? ›

At least two people are dead after days of heavy rain caused significant flooding in South Florida. Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade and Sarasota counties, which have been battered by the wet weather since Tuesday, according to CNN and ABC News.

Is there a flooding in Florida today? ›

Flooding & Hydrology

Flash Flooding: Flash flooding is not expected today. Riverine Flooding: All Florida rivers, creeks and waterways are below flood stage. The Santa Fe River at Three Rivers Estates is forecast to fall below Action Stage (bank-full) today. There are no additional riverine concerns.

Is Fort Myers in a flood zone? ›

The city of Fort Myers has moderate risk from flooding. There are 13,813 properties in Fort Myers at risk of flooding over the next 30 years. This represents 46% of all properties in Fort Myers. Find the flood risk for a specific property.

What flood zone is Cape Coral in? ›

It is important to know some basic facts about flooding and the steps you can take now to protect your life and property. Most residents of Cape Coral live in a flood zone that falls into a category called a “Special Flood Hazard Area.” These areas are the V-Zone and A-Zone on the Flood Zone map.

Which areas in Florida are at the greatest risk of flooding? ›

Cape Coral and Port Charlotte lead the way among cities, where a combined 61,852 properties face previously unidentified flooding risk.

What is the safest place in Florida from flooding? ›

Florida's Most Hurricane Resilient City

When looking at hurricane, flooding and strong wind data, their research identified Ocala to be at less risk from coastal flooding than other parts of the state, making it a popular option for storm-weary home buyers.

How far inland did the flooding go in Fort Myers? ›

And a lot of that has to do with the overall shallow depth of the water,” Fritz said. All that sent water as far as 25 miles inland.

Where in Florida is no flood zone? ›

Leesburg

Leesburg, Florida is considered one of the safest places in the state when it comes to the risk of hurricanes. It has a hurricane and tropical storm score of zero and it also has a low flood score. It is located in central Florida's Lake County and has a population of more than 31,249 people.

Is every house in Florida in a flood zone? ›

Yes, every property is in a Flood Zone. Flood Zones are determined by FEMA Flood Insurance Studies based on the risk of flooding. High risk flood zones include A, AE, AO, V, and VE. Flood Zone X is considered a minimal risk area and doesn't usually require the purchase of flood insurance.

Is Estero, Florida in a flood zone? ›

The city of Estero has major risk from flooding. There are 12,888 properties in Estero at risk of flooding over the next 30 years. This represents 71.2% of all properties in Estero. Find the flood risk for a specific property.

What area of Cape Coral is sinking? ›

Nearly 40 square miles of North Cape Coral is sinking, an inch or more every year, due to over-pumping the aquifers below the city for household water.

What is the 100 year flood zone in Florida? ›

100-year floodplain means there is a 1% annual chance of flooding at or above the base elevation. FEMA states there is a 26% chance of flooding over the life of a 30 year mortgage for structures within the 100-year floodplain.

What are flood zones in Florida? ›

Flood Zone Definitions
ZoneDescription
IN100-year floodplain, no BFEs determined.
B, X500500-year floodplain (0.2% annual chance of flooding)
C, XOutside 100-year and 500-year floodplain.
D, UNDESPossible but undetermined flood hazards.
9 more rows

Which Florida city has the highest risk of damage due to sea level rise? ›

Miami Beach has been the poster city for sea-level rise for some time, and for good reason. By 2100, 98% of buildings in the city could be below sea level.

What part of Florida does not flood? ›

Lake City has a low risk of flooding and being hit by tropical storms, according to Terra Frma. Located between Jacksonville and Tallahassee near the intersection of Interstates 10 and 75, Lake City had a 2021 population of 12,497. Sanford on Lake Monroe is located about 20 miles north of downtown Orlando.

How do I know if my property is in a flood zone in Florida? ›

You can get your overall flood risk at www.floodsmart.gov and enter your address. Your official FEMA flood zone map can be found online at FEMA's Map Service Center, or through your property appraiser's office.

References

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