According to South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) officials, well above-average April rainfall followed a dry March, and more rain is forecast.
Out ahead of the traditional start of wet season, all 16 counties within the SFWMD received above-average rainfall in April, with 4.31 inches of rain districtwide, representing 171% of average, or 1.79 inches above average.
Abundant rainfall in the Kissimmee basins, among the wettest portions of the District, contributed to increased flows into Lake Okeechobee, which also received above-average direct rainfall. The lake saw 5.21 inches of rain, representing 239% of average, or 3.03 inches above average.
The remainder of the District also saw above-average rainfall. The East Caloosahatchee basin, Martin, St. Lucie, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties were among the wettest areas, ranging from 163% to 202% of average.
Hail damage on peppers in the Stuart area on Monday pic.twitter.com/8SQGYNaF15
— Gene McAvoy (@SWFLVegMan) April 29, 2015
The Southwest Coast saw 3.36 inches of rain, representing 140% of average, or 0.96 inches above average.