HERNANDO OFFICIALS: residents near Withlacoochee River should evacuate NOW
A voluntary evacuation order remains in effect Saturday for residents near the Withlacoochee River.
Anyone living in low-lying areas and who are already seeing flood waters are being urged to leave the area and asked not to risk the lives of first responders.
MORE: HERNANDO COUNTY INFORMATION
Here's the latest information from Hernando County: https://www.facebook.com/HernandoCoGov/videos/1528652823847199/
The Enrichment Center, located at 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd. in Brooksville, has been designated as a host shelter.
A sand and sandbag distribution site is available at the East Hernando Branch Library located at 6457 Windmere Road, Brooksville, FL 34602 (off I-75 near Ridge Manor). It will be open today until sun down and Sunday, September 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Hernando County Sheriff's Office has arranged for inmates to help fill bags.
Previously used sandbags that have NOT been contaminated by flood waters may be donated to the distribution site while it is open today and tomorrow only.
Hernando County asks residents do not risk the lives of first responders by ignoring evacuation recommendations.
Withlacoochee River at Trilby:
Currently observed at moderate flood stage with a value of 16.34 feet, just shy of major flood stage. It is forecasted to reach 17.6 feet next week.
Impacts at Trilby:
-15.6 feet: Water is 2 to 3 feet over the bridge at Clay Sink Road and State Road 575
-15.3 feet: Riverdale trailers are flooded.
-14.2 feet: River Road east of the river is flooded. One campsite at the park is flooded. Peterson Park is flooded and closed. One home on Cercelia Road is isolated. The Florida Campland is flooded. Wood River Court homes are isolated. And the Withlacoochee River canoe rental is flooded.
-12 feet: Flooding begins at Lacoochee, Talisman Estates, Riverdale, and River Height Estates.
Withlacoochee River at Croom:
Currently observed at minor flood stage with a value of 10.13. It is forecasted to reach moderate flood stage, 10.8 feet, on Monday, September 18, 2017, and may rise further later in the week.
Impacts at Croom:
-12 feet: Flooding begins to impact Nobleton
-9 feet: Farms and pastureland flood
-For the latest local conditions and a complete list of news alerts go to www.HernandoCounty.us/em
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