Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
With the recent rains in our area over the last couple of weeks, the Withlacoochee River has been steadily rising closer to flood stage. According to the National Weather Service, the river’s water level at County Road 150, near Pinetta has risen from just over 57 feet on Saturday, June 17, to 58.8 on Thursday, June 22, at 9:30 a.m. EDT, which was the latest observed value. From there, it was predicted that the river would steadily rise to a level of 61.9 feet by Tuesday, June 27. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for Madison County at 2:20 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, June 21.
Flood stage for the river is set at 73 feet. As water from drain off due to recent rains flow into the river, the levels are expected to continue to rise and could easily reach flood stage before the river crests. Historically, in April of 2009, the river crested at 87.84 feet, which is the highest crest on record. At 76 feet, several roads near the river in Madison County would become impassable. At 81 feet, homes in northeast Madison County near the river would be subject to flooding. At 83 feet, numerous roads near the river would become impassable and significant impacts to structures near the river could be expected.
For more up-to-date information on the river and possible flood stages, please visit https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?gage=pinf1&wfo=tae.