ORLANDO, Fla. – The combination of heavy rain south of the St. Johns River and strong northerly winds on the backside of Hurricane Milton are sending the river into major flood stage.
As of Thursday afternoon, the St. Johns River at Astor is at major flood stage. The river was expected to crest at 4.5 feet, but now it is expected to crest at 4.7 feet, which would tie the record crest set in 2022 after Hurricane Ian.
At 4.7, major, widespread and long-duration flooding occurs. Water rescues and evacuations will become necessary. Most low-lying homes will become uninhabitable. Water reaches Front Street south of State Road 40. Areas off Riveredge Drive become inaccessible. At this level, water surrounds and enters homes on Riverview Drive and Claire Street.
Most areas near the Astor Landing Campground will become inaccessible due to knee-deep water.
It is possible that the river will rise higher than the current forecast.
St. Johns near DeLand
The St. Johns River near Deland is expected to crest at 5.7 feet, just under major flood stage.
At 5.3′ major flooding occurs to many structures and marinas along the river and in the Hontoon Island area
At. 5.3 feet, major flooding occurs to many structures and marinas along the river and in the Hontoon Island area.
St. Johns River near Sanford
The St. Johns River near Sanford in expected to crest to in moderate flood stage Sunday into Monday.
At 7.5′ feet, the expected crest, many secondary roads are flooded and may become impassable around Lake Monroe and in Enterprise. Rising water begins to impact more areas of Stone Island and water approaches homes in River Oaks Estates.
Little Wekiva River Near Altamonte Springs
The little Wekiva River near Altamonte Springs remains in major flood stage, but has likely crested.
Major flooding is ongoing in the Spring Oaks neighborhood. Roads become impassible and several inches of water in some homes.