Flood in Okeechobee County, Florida

Persistent heavy rainbands from Tropical Storm Isaac produced widespread urban and lowland flooding across much of the county. Rainfall from the morning of August 26 until the evening of August 27 averaged 4 to 8 inches, with isolated totals of 10 to 14 inches, most of which fell from early morning until mid day on August 27. The most significant impacts occurred within the City of Okeechobee and adjacent rural locations, including Taylor Creek. Fourteen homes experienced major damage and another 146 had minor water intrusion (from either leaking roofs and/or high levels of standing water, mainly from over-topping local creek/canals. Several roads were temporarily closed due to standing water.

Tropical Storm Isaac passed southwest of east-central Florida, making its closest approach during the late afternoon and evening hours of August 26. Two tornadoes developed during the morning of August 27 and several tropical storm force wind gusts were observed. County-averaged rainfall amounts over the 2-day period were as high as 10-12 inches within Okeechobee, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties, with isolated totals of 14-17 inches. A majority of the heavy rain fell from early morning through late afternoon of August 27, when flooding resulted in numerous, temporary road closures. Water entered many homes in Okeechobee and Indian River Counties due to over-topping of local creeks/canals and overwhelming of drainage systems.