(This version includes information about road closure, power outages.)
Brevard remained under a flood watch Oct. 27 after torrential rain drenched the Space Coast overnight, causing widespread flooding.
Titusville and North Merritt Island were particularly hard hit with reports on social media of roads underwater, cars stuck and rainwater entering homes. People posted photos of parking lots that looked more like pond, and cars stalled in heavily flooded roadways.
The flood watch was due to remain in effect until 8 p.m. Monday night. Brevard Public Schools announced about 7:40 a.m., Oct 27 that schools would remain open. However, “due to flooding in local areas, we will be excusing absences.”
The torrential downpour brought as much as 14 inches of rain in a matter of six hours, according to Robert Haley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Melbourne. A flash flood warning was issued about 4:40 p.m. Oct. 26 and the rain persisted until about 10 p.m.
“This was pretty significant,” Haley said. “We often don’t see those kind of rain amounts out of tropical cyclones.”
The southbound exit ramp at Exit 220 on Interstate 95 to State Road 406 (Garden Street) was closed due to flooding the morning of Oct. 27.
“Motorists are advised to take the exit before or after to reach their destination,” according to the Florida Department of Transportation. “Flooded roads are more dangerous than they appear. Just a few inches of water can sweep away vehicles, endangering lives.”
At the peak of the storm, there were 2,500 power outages in the county. As of 7:30 a.m. Oct. 27 there were 1,057 outages, according to Florida Power and Light.
More rain is expected Oct. 27 and although it will not be as much as the previous day, adding to what is already there isn’t helpful.
“Any additional rainfall could lead to more flooding,” Haley said.
Titusville Fire Department reported getting several calls the evening of Oct. 27 of water entering homes and stranded vehicles. One social media post showed the front of a Brevard County Fire Rescue vehicle submerged in water.
North Brevard residents in cleanup mode after flooding
Tallie Peterson has lived in her neighborhood located in unincorporated Brevard just outside Mims for 10 years.
She estimated this was the sixth time she’s experienced flooding to this extent. The morning of Oct. 27 she surveyed the damage, which along with flooded streets included waste spread across the neighborhood and down trees.
“It’s definitely an ongoing issue,” I don’t know how much storm drainage cleaning is being done. Obviously there’s too much rain to keep up with and there’s also a septic issue because toilets don’t always work when it rains a lot. It’s definitely a concern. People see what the flooding is now.”
What to know, do if your area is flooded?
Here are tips from the National Weather Service:
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Spitzer is a Trending Reporter. She can be reached at MSpitzer@Floridatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Brevard remains under flood watch after heavy overnight flooding
Reporting by Michelle Spitzer and Tyler Vazquez, Florida Today / Florida Today
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
