Riverine Flood Threat Looms as Residents Recover from Hurricane Milton
Flood Watches Issued for St. Johns River
As Central Floridians attempt to rebuild and recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, another potentially devastating disaster is looming on the horizon: rising floodwaters along the St. Johns River. Crews in Seminole County have closed several roads and evacuated several homes due to the increasing water levels, with the St. Johns River expected to crest on Thursday or Friday.
Flood-prone Areas Under Threat
The St. Johns River, known for its slow-moving waters, can take days to crest after a heavy rain event. This time, the river’s tributaries and basins, including Lake Harney, Lake Jesup, and Lake Monroe, are expected to overflow, threatening low-lying areas. Officials are warning residents in and around the affected zones to take precautions and consider evacuating if necessary.
Lake Harney at Major Flooding Levels
According to Ashley Evitt, spokesperson for the St. Johns River Water Management District, Lake Harney is currently at major flooding levels, with expected levels to remain above normal through October 19. The lake’s water levels are expected to rise by another third of a foot by Friday, with a record level of 12.7 feet set after Hurricane Ian in September 2022.
Evacuations and Road Closures
Teams from the Florida National Guard and the Seminole County Fire Department have evacuated 15 people from flooded homes in the Geneva and Spring Oaks neighborhoods. Crews have also closed several roads, including along the western shore of Lake Harney, near Mullet Lake Park, and on the southern side of Lake Jesup, where waters have reached knee-deep in many areas.
Wind and King Tides Pose Additional Threats
A cold front moving into the region is expected to bring 30-mph wind gusts on Friday and Saturday, which could cause the St. Johns River to flow temporarily in reverse, exacerbating the flooding situation. Additionally, king tides later this week will also contribute to the rising water levels.
Conclusion
As Emergency officials continue to monitor the situation, residents in the affected areas are advised to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. With the St. Johns River expected to crest later this week, it is crucial to be prepared for potential flooding and disruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current status of the St. Johns River?
A: The St. Johns River is expected to crest on Thursday or Friday, with water levels predicted to remain above normal through October 19.
Q: Which areas are most at risk of flooding?
A: The St. Johns River’s tributaries and basins, including Lake Harney, Lake Jesup, and Lake Monroe, are at risk of flooding.
Q: How many people have been evacuated from flooded homes?
A: Teams from the Florida National Guard and the Seminole County Fire Department have evacuated 15 people from flooded homes in the Geneva and Spring Oaks neighborhoods.
Q: What is the current situation with power outages?
A: As of Monday, 4,790 out of over 1.3 million utility customers in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Lake counties are still without power, with the majority of those affected in Orange and Lake counties.
