HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. — Residents living near the Withlacoochee River are being asked to evacuate immediately and seek higher ground. The river is experiencing "historic flooding" as a result of Hurricane Milton and water is reportedly rising quickly.
Hernando County officials on Thursday said that the river was expected to rise to 17.4 feet — from 11.81 feet on Thursday — at the Trilby gauge point. The river is expected to continue to rise through the weekend, reaching a peak on Monday.
The Hernando County Fire and Rescue posted the evacuation notice to their Facebook page Friday afternoon. They also warned residents to avoid flooded roads when traveling and to call 9-1-1 if they are in immediate danger.
Residents were also notified that shelter is available at the Enrichment Center, located at 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34601. The shelter is pet friendly.
On Thursday, county officials said that additional shelters were available at Challenger K-8 at 13400 Elgin Boulevard in Spring Hill. This shelter can assist those with special needs and is also pet friendly. Additionally, shelter has been made available at West Hernando Middle School at 14325 Ken Austin Parkway in Brooksville. It is also pet friendly.
Residents have been encouraged to monitor the river levels over the weekend at the National Weather Service website.
Residents are also warned that wells and septic systems could be contaminated as a result of flooding and that they should have their water tested when the flood waters recede. Infrastructure damage and power outages are also likely.
You can find additional county information here.