Addressing Flooding And Road Safety In Lakeland
Like many other parts of Florida, Lakeland is prone to flooding. Most mortgage lenders require homeowners to have flood insurance, and an intricate system of drains and pipes helps minimize the risk of life-threatening flash floods.
While Lakeland (and Polk County as a whole) has made great strides in floodplain management, flooding still poses a significant road safety issue. It causes incidents like road surface destruction, bridge damages and collapses, and car accidents in Lakeland, making poor road conditions an immediate threat to highways and road users in the area.
What Causes Lakeland Roads To Flood?
Lakeland’s low elevation — coupled with its many lakes and rivers — makes it far more prone to flooding than the average American city. A combination of risk factors makes street flooding a fairly common occurrence:
- Heavy rains
- Overflowing rivers
- Poor floodplain drainage
- Clogged or overwhelmed storm drains
Lakeland, Florida, is particularly vulnerable to flooding due to its numerous lakes, which are part of the Upper and Lower Hillsborough River basins. When heavy rainfall occurs, these lakes can overflow and contribute to regional flooding. The relatively flat terrain in the area exacerbates this risk, making flooding more likely during intense storms.
Additionally, the water eventually drains into Tampa Bay, further increasing the potential for widespread flooding in the region.
The Many Dangers Of Flooded Roads
Most people know that floods cause substantial damage to homes and other buildings. But for drivers on the road, floods can be dangerous — and even deadly. These are some of the main dangers of driving on flooded roads:
Water Damage Can Total Your Vehicle
Your car can handle being out in heavy rain — but being submerged in floodwater is entirely different. Modern vehicles are equipped with sensitive electronics that can be seriously damaged (or even destroyed) if they’re submerged in water.
Even A Little Floodwater Can Cause Stalling
Driving through a puddle or two won’t cause serious damage to your vehicle. Many people think that driving through a few inches of floodwater is the same as crossing a puddle.
However, for a standard passenger car, it only takes about six inches of water to cause stalling or make you lose control of the vehicle. From the driver’s seat, it’s difficult or impossible to determine the depth of water on a flooded road — so it’s best to turn around.
It’s Easier For Your Car To Be Washed Away Than You Think
Large trucks and SUVs might be tall enough to cross six inches of water. However, it only takes about two feet of moving water to carry away even larger vehicles.
When this happens, you aren’t just risking your vehicle. You could be seriously hurt in a collision — and possibly even drown if your vehicle fills with water or submerges.
Looks Can Be Deceiving
The National Weather Service’s Turn Around, Don’t Drown campaign notes that many deaths could be prevented if drivers avoided flooded portions of the roadway. While it’s possible that the road in front of you is only covered in a few inches of water, it’s also possible that the road surface itself has been completely washed away.
What Lakeland Is Doing To Reduce Flood Risk
Although flooded roads are still a very real risk for Lakeland drivers, the city has taken significant steps to protect residents from flood risks:
- A high-volume pump moves 5,000 gallons of water per minute from Lake Bonny to Lake Parker.
- The city penalizes dumping anything into storm drains.
- Polk County’s Stormwater Utility is strategically adding new drains to reduce street flooding.
- Polk County encourages residents to report street flooding.
One of the most exciting developments in the city’s safety plan is the development of a flood risk portal to help residents better understand, prevent, and prepare for flooding.
Keeping Lakeland Roads Safer
Given the city’s geography, Lakeland will likely always have some level of flood risk. However, if residents and city officials continue to prioritize safer floodplain infrastructure, they’ll likely have fewer floods to contend with going forward — and drivers can enjoy safer, flood-free roads.