Tropical Storm Debbie brought 18 inches of rain. While it was much needed after 2 years of endless drought, all that rain draining into the Suwannee River proved to be too much. Flood stage begins at 77'. This storm sent it to 85.23', the third highest on record. While the rains were falling, I was high and dry, the water flowing through my neighbors
yard. Once the river filled, it started creeping into my back field, right up to the house. At 85.3', the water would have entered my garage. Another inch higher would have made me a climate refugee. CLOSE ONE!
For a few days, I had to mow along the street, giving Bull the clippings for dinner, as the entire field was submerged up to 2 feet deep in places. The river has since gone down a couple of feet. Most of the water has drained from the back field. The low spots have been covered in mud, muck, leaves, and the occasional beer can. Half an inch to a couple of inches, but not so heavily that the grass is smothered. Perhaps this is a benefit rather than a disaster. If I had to add that amount of organic material to the entire field, it would have taken weeks of constant effort. The bull will still be able to do his grazing, all the while stomping that material into the soil. Rather than a disaster, this looks to be a windfall for me.
