Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for seven Florida counties after days of heavy rain: Brevard, Hardee, Highlands, Indian River, Martin, St. Lucie and DeSoto. All DeSoto County schools are closed through Wednesday, Nov. 4, because of flooding and road conditions. In the Voss Oaks neighborhood in Arcadia, water had fully covered the street before it began to recede.
Meteorologist Bob Harrigan said rainfall totals approached a foot near Avon Park and Sebring, amounts usually reserved for a tropical system. More moisture moved toward Highlands, Hardee and DeSoto counties, and the ground is saturated. The Peace River is forecast to crest just west of Arcadia on Thursday evening, with about 60 homes potentially taking on water.
Rivers keep rising even after the heaviest rain moves out, so the danger window extends well past Tuesday. If you live near the river, raise documents and medications, photograph your belongings for insurance, and never drive through a flooded road. State resources are now authorized to assist the affected counties.
Are you or your family in one of the seven counties? Share how you’re preparing in the comments.
