Volusia and Flagler County residents near the coastline and other areas could see flooding in the coming days, according to the National Weather Service.
Higher-than-normal tides, known as “king tides,” and rain are influencing conditions. Volusia County officials said in a Facebook post on Sunday, Oct. 5, that flooding could occur starting Oct. 6.
“Households in low-lying coastal areas near streams and canals are encouraged to take precautions and remain alert through the coming days,” according to Volusia County. “To stay safe, residents should avoid driving through standing water.”
Driving through saltwater can also damage your car, according to the National Weather Service.
With elevated water levels, stormwater drains might not work as well or work at all. That means high-risk areas are vulnerable to flooding.
“Because some drainage systems in the eastern portion of the county connect to tidal waterways, these effects can extend inland, forcing rainwater to temporarily remain on roads and in yards because it cannot drain as intended,” according to Volusia County. “As tides recede, the water will gradually flow out, and conditions will improve.”
King tides are expected at the following dates and times in Volusia County:
“While rain chances are expected to taper off midweek, tides will remain elevated through Saturday, Oct. 11, and minor flooding may persist in coastal and low-lying areas during periods of rainfall,” according to Volusia County.
What weather advisories are in effect in Flagler and Volusia counties?
A coastal flood advisory was in effect for coastal Volusia County on Monday, Oct. 6, and was expected to be in effect until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, according to the National Weather Service. That also comes alongside a high risk of rip currents along the coast. A high surf advisory was expected to be in effect in coastal Volusia County until 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7.
People could see flooding of low-lying lots, parks and roads near the shoreline, and “only isolated road closures are expected,” according to the National Weather Service.
A flood watch was also in effect in Volusia County on Oct. 6.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” according to the National Weather Service.
Swimming and surfing conditions are dangerous. Volusia County officials always urge people to swim near a staffed lifeguard tower, and people can find a staffed lifeguard tower by using the Volusia Beaches mobile app.
“Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water,” according to the National Weather Service.
A flood advisory was in place along Flagler County’s coast as of Oct. 6 and was expected to be in effect until 5 a.m. Wednesday. The forecast called for “minor coastal flooding during times of high tide.”
Dangerous swimming conditions, including a high risk of rip currents, were present along Flagler County. The high risk of rip currents was expected to last through Tuesday evening, Oct. 7, and a high surf advisory was expected to last until Tuesday morning along Flagler’s coast.
St. Johns River near Astor under flood warning
As of Oct. 6, a flood warning was in effect for the St. Johns River near Astor, affecting Lake and Volusia counties. The St. Johns River was at moderate flood stage and was expected to be at moderate flood stage through the week.
The river stage was at 3.3 feet on the morning of Oct. 6. The National Weather Service says that at 3.5 feet, “canals have overflowed into yards and “homes on or near Wildhog, Bonnet and Snail roads become inaccessible with several inches of water inside homes along the river and canals.”
At that level, docks in Astor become submerged, and some other roads are inaccessible or flooded, among other impacts.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Coastal flood risk high in Volusia, Flagler; Astor warning continues
Reporting by Sheldon Gardner, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
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