Wrath of Hurricane Irma’s Rainfall Measured by the Trillions

Hurricane Irma won’t soon be forgotten by those who live and work in Florida. The damage from whipping wind and relentless rainfall was devastating to many — especially farmers across the Sunshine State. Fresh statistics now flooding in the wake of Irma further confirm the storm’s historic nature.

Over two days, the major hurricane dumped 2.2 trillion gallons of rainwater (enough to cover 6.7 million football fields in one foot of water) on the St. Johns River Water Management District’s 18-county service area, according to a report outlining September’s hydrological conditions, flood control system, and the district’s response during the storm.

St. Johns River Water Management District Sept. 2017 rainfall map

Map courtesy of St. Johns River Water Management District

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Districtwide, the average rainfall resulting from Irma was 10.24 inches. A nor’easter, which arrived in late September, added to the already flooded areas. All counties received above-average rainfall for the month.

  • North Florida: Duval and Putnam counties each received 13.1 inches of rain, with Clay County receiving 13.5 inches.
  • Central Florida: Orange and Osceola counties each received 11.4 inches of rain, with Lake County receiving 12.2 inches.
  • Overall: Counties with the highest rainfall total for the month include Indian River (14.7 inches), Brevard County with 14.6 inches, and Seminole County with 13.9 inches.

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