SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Crews in Seminole County are out clearing ditches and other drainage systems in preparation for more rainfall on the way.
On Wednesday night, heavy rain in the Winter Springs and Casselberry areas filled ponds and creeks.
Emergency Manager Alan Harris says there’s been so much water that all of our tributaries, lakes, and retention ponds are very high. Harris showed News 6 the areas they’re keeping a close eye on and the water levels so far.
The Little Wekiva River could reach minor or moderate flood stage. Data from the National Water Prediction Service shows it’s risen to the “Action” category this week and at times has come close to crossing the threshold into “Minor.”
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Moderate flooding could lead to water covering the roads and entering low-lying homes near the river.
“I was out last night with some of my Emergency Management personnel along the Little Wekiva River, just making sure that everything was clear and moving. There was some localized ponding in some communities,” Harris said. “So, as the storm systems catch up there it’s, you know, ponding that can happen on the roadway.
Harris says a few vehicles stalled out because of the water that had collected. It’s a reminder to never drive through flooded areas.
After Hurricane Ian, there was major flooding around the Little Wekiva River in Altamonte. Our News 6 team rode along with first responders who were rescuing families from their homes in the Spring Oaks neighborhood using high-water vehicles.
Since 2022, Seminole County has spent millions clearing out debris from our creeks and repairing erosion. A project to stabilize the banks of Howell Creek just finished last month.
“Gee Creek and Howell Creek are the big ones,” Harris said when asked about what waterways they’ve been watching this week. “Lake Howell was very high.”
Harris says a “no wake” notice was put out to boaters for Howell Lake.
“Right now, you can’t even see some of the vegetation and some of the docks could be damaged, or you may not even see them,” Harris said.
Harris says the water levels aren’t going down because Orlando and Orange County have also been saturated. All of the creeks and tributaries in those areas have been draining toward the St. Johns River.
“It’s doing what it’s supposed to do,” Harris said. “Unfortunately, there’s just not a lot of capacity for all that water.”
The city of Altamonte Springs is offering sandbags for families, as weather permits.
Friday, September 6 | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Altamonte Springs SunRail Station 2741 S. Ronald Reagan Blvd., Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
- Westmonte Recreation Center 624 Bills Lane (off Spring Oaks Blvd.), Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
City staff are onsite for those who require assistance while sandbag sites are open.
For more information, contact 407-571-8000 during normal business hours or 407-571-8686 for after-hours questions.
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