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Fall Flood Season A No Show At River - So Far

    One byproduct of Florida escaping tropical weather activity so far this year is the delayed, if not canceled, flooding of Astor.  A common fall occurrence in late August and September in recent years, the lack of large storms or even heavy daily rainfalls have left the river lower than is traditionally seen this time of year.
    Far from bumping up against flood levels the river,  particularly in Astor, is actually low by historic standards.  Data provided by the U.S. Geological Survey this week indicates the river is a full one foot - or even more - below the level that begins to denote flood conditions.
    Astor is historically prone to flooding, given its geographical makeup.  Located south of the mouth to Lake George, southern blowing winds off the lake can slow, or even reverse, the river’s normal northern flow.   Combined with the river being fed by a wide range of tributaries to the south of Astor, the confluence of heavy rain and southernly winds in recent years has led to record flooding.  Within the last five years, the river has seen annual flooding, including a record 4.8 feet above flood stage.
    When the river floods, homes can be damaged, roads are often covered, and a strain is placed on the communities water and wastewater system.