Jacksonville Neighborhood Faces Recurring Flood Threat as Ribault River Rises
The Ribault River in Jacksonville, Florida, rose to the level of homes along Ken Knight Drive, with floodwaters entering yards and driveways. This event occurred as a Flood Watch and Coastal Flood Advisory were in effect for Duval County, with 1 to 3 inches of additional rain falling on already saturated ground. Residents, like Latasha Howard, expressed nervousness due to persistent rain causing roof leaks and concerns about water entering their homes. City Council member Ju'Coby Pittman advised residents to follow emergency advisories and prepare for potential temporary relocation. The area has a history of severe flooding during storms, including Hurricane Irma in 2017 and Hurricane Nicole in 2022, which led to residents being trapped and homes being inundated. The flooding is attributed to the Ribault River being a tidally influenced tributary where high tides prevent rainwater from draining into the St. Johns River, creating a hydrological trap.
