CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — As Hurricane Idalia moves across the Florida Peninsula, the powerful storm has left significant impacts behind around the Tampa Bay area.
This includes Crystal River in Citrus County. 10 Tampa Bay's Jennifer Titus has been there throughout the storm, covering the storm at a local level and keeping you informed, prepared and connected.
Since before Idalia even reached the open Gulf of Mexico on its trek to Florida, local and state leaders have been warning people the most significant impacts the Tampa Bay area would see would involve flooding and storm surge.
Crystal River's main roadway — U.S. 19 — is currently closed as of 11 a.m. Tuesday morning due to flooding.
A large portion of U.S. 19 between CR 488 (West Dunnellon Road) and West Venable Street is closed. Additionally, the road from West Gulf to Lake Highway (SR 44) to U.S. 19 is closed.
Not only is U.S. 19 closed, but so are the surrounding roads leading to downtown. The Citrus County Sheriff's Office says more road closures should be expected throughout the day Wednesday. People living where the floodwaters are worst will not be able to get back to their homes because of the increased safety concerns.
The sheriff's office is asking people to wait until after the storm surge has passed and water levels recede before going out in order to avoid potentially hazardous conditions. Deputies said residents are welcome to call the citizen information line for any questions or concerns at 352-249-2775.