Indian River looks more like ocean after record rainfall

COCOA, Fla. – Tuesday’s 40-mph winds left the swollen Indian River looking more like the ocean as the water crashes right into people’s front yards in parts of Brevard County. 
 
Some residents can’t seem to catch a break, between Hurricane Irma and the weekend’s staggering amount of rainfall. The situation has caused quite a mess in Cocoa, especially for those living near the Indian River.
 
"After our 9-inch rain we had the other night, and with all the 45, 46 mph winds, it's been totally unreal the last couple of days," said Thomas Schaffer, who told News 6 he's been living on the water for five years.
 
The area experiences flooding from time to time, but the water doesn't stay for more than a couple days, Schaffer said. But this time it's been a week, he added.
 
"It doesn't look like it's gonna let up for a bit,” Schaffer said. “I've got a water gauge on my dock. Normal is 12 inches. We're up to 30 inches and to my walkway."
 
The wind is so strong, a boat was seen pushed right up to the seawall, on its side.  
 
"It's been raining for three or four days, so the river, it looks like it overflowed and it just keeps coming over," resident Rick Leger said.
 
In the area in front of Leger's home, the water is so high that he said he's stuck inside. He doesn't want to risk driving through it. 
 
"I tried and two of my cars got stalled,” Leger said. “The other car, I decided not to try it. I've been through three hurricanes and it's never been like this.”
 
Deputies have posted signs in the area to warn residents of the conditions.