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North Port emergency manager briefs commission on storm surge, river flooding risks
Summary
Emergency Manager Stacy Locio explained how storm surge and heavy rainfall can cause coastal and river flooding in North Port and said Public Works lowers water levels ahead of storms; a city video on water-control structures is available on the Public Works website.
North Port — Stacy Locio, North Port’s emergency manager, briefed the commission on July 23 about storm surge and flooding risks during hurricanes, explaining how surge can drive water inland and up rivers.
"Storm surge is when strong sustained winds are constantly blowing over a long period of time over the Gulf and pushing water up onto shore," Locio said, adding that surge can push water up the Myakka River and cause the downstream flow to have nowhere to go, producing river flooding. She said heavy rainfall from hurricanes can compound the problem by increasing river and water-management-system levels.
Locio said Public Works performs pre-storm actions, including lowering water levels in the city’s systems so they can better accommodate additional surge and runoff. She told commissioners a city video explaining the water-control structures is available on the Public Works website for residents seeking more information.
Why it matters: Storm surge-driven coastal and river flooding can affect homes and infrastructure inland from the shoreline. Locio’s briefing outlined how local pre-storm operations aim to reduce the risk of flooding during an approaching hurricane.
No action was taken on the flood briefing; it was informational and intended to raise public awareness and preparedness.
