16.56. +.06
Okeechobee Inflows (cfs):
S65E 7146 S65EX1 5962 Fisheating Cr 1938
S154 184 S191 2993 S135 Pumps 219
S84 2353 S133 Pumps 214 S2 Pumps 0
S84X 544 S127 Pumps 117 S3 Pumps 0
S71 674 S129 Pumps 82 S4 Pumps 0
S72 197 S131 Pumps 32 C5 0
Total Inflows: 22656
Okeechobee Outflows (cfs):
S135 Culverts 0 S354 0 S77 7257
S127 Culverts 0 S351 0 S308 -0
S129 Culverts 0 S352 0
S131 Culverts 0 L8 Canal Pt -292
Total Outflows: 6965
Corps stops Lake Okeechobee discharges due to flooding concerns downstream
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has stopped releasing Lake Okeechobee water into the St Lucie Estuary.
It is in response to flooding already happening downstream along the Treasure Coast.
On the South Fork of the St. Lucie River, Jim Harter sees two issues: water quality and flooding.
“How high the water (is) coming up on them,” as he points to homes along the water.
Outside his home, water is coming up on the street. “It’s really discouraging,” said Harter.
There was more flooding in Stuart at Shepard Park as well.
Lake Okeechobee releases and king tides are the main cause of the flooding.
The Corps has stopped releases to alleviate flooding.
Now there’s another issue.
Lake levels are now more than 16 and a half feet and rising.
The Corps will now inspect the Herbert Hoover Dike twice a week and continue to monitor the situation.
A Corps spokesperson says the organization will refrain from discharging more water until the tides come down.
Canal runoff is still being released into the St. Lucie Estuary.