PASCO COUNTY, FL – Recovery efforts continue in areas of Florida that were battered by the effects of Hurricane Milton.
Officials in Pasco County posted an alert over the weekend that there had been historical flooding in low-lying areas and in several neighborhoods around the county near rivers and lakes. Dozens of flooded roads were closed, and drivers were advised to navigate safely around them without driving through floodwaters.
WTSP reported that the Anclote River flooded due to heavy rainfall in the area, leaving houses and cars submerged in the water.
One hard-hit community was New Port Richey, where major flooding occurred from the river near Elfers at Little Road that crested at 26.57 feet on Friday morning before starting to decline. The flood stage where the river overflows is 20 feet. The Hillsborough River to the south near Zephyrhills was also in flood stage after 14 inches of rainfall during Hurricane Milton.
Crews with boats made dozens of water rescues throughout the county.
“We obviously warned everybody. Some have weathered out these storms before and we anticipated that but we have been trying to tell everybody that this is something we’ve never seen before. This is a historic event for all of us and they are starting to realize they might not have had so much water the last storm but they do now,” said Pasco Fire Rescue Interim Chief Ryan Guynn told WFTS.
The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office said that it had assisted about 100 residents in a community off Wesley Chapel Boulevard.
Flooding from hurricanes is a severe and often underestimated threat. Having flood insurance can guarantee that your house is protected in a disaster, regardless of whether you live in a high-risk or low-risk area. Keep in mind that flood insurance is separate from your homeowner’s insurance policy, meaning that flood damage is not typically covered under most homeowner’s insurance policies. Our Florida hurricane and storm damage claims attorneys at Whittel & Melton will fight for your rights if your insurance carrier has unfairly rejected or reduced your storm damage claim. We will make sure you receive the total and just compensation you are entitled to for hurricane damage in Florida. Contact us today at 866-608-5529 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.