SUMTER COUNTY, FL – Rising flood waters persist in some parts of Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, including in Sumter County.
According to WKMG, a voluntary evacuation order was issued Monday for those living along the Withlacoochee River after officials warned that water levels had exceeded 11 feet and are expected to surpass 13 feet by Friday.
Sheriff’s deputies used an airboat to go door to door and ask residents if they wanted to be evacuated from their homes. A staging area was set up at County Road 684 and County Road 688 near the Croom area with fire trucks, a high-water rescue vehicle and an airboat.
With the water levels continuing to rise, emergency officials said the safest course of action for residents in that area right now is to leave their homes.
“We’re telling people to evacuate now where we’re advising them,” Sumter County Emergency Management Director David Casto said. “It’s not a mandatory evacuation, but we’re advising them to evacuate now because if if they feel like they’re going to be trapped, either isolated or water in the structure, they’re putting our first responders lives in danger by going out there to rescue them.”
One resident heeding the warning was Andre Ricaldi, who leaves near Lake Bowling and saw water steadily rising behind his home.
“We’re using kayaks to take out belongings from our house, especially things that can’t be replaced,” he told WKMG. “It’s heartbreaking because you survive the storm, and then the water just keeps getting higher.”
In The Villages, residents along the Withlacoochee River were being encouraged to evacuate as river levels rose. Residents who decided to evacuate were offered shelter at the Sumter County Fairgrounds.
While wind damage is a large concern for hurricanes, flood damage is also one of the more devastating and lasting consequences of a hurricane or tropical storm. It is essential to look at your homeowner’s insurance policy to understand what is covered entirely in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. If your claim was wrongly denied, you should consult an experienced attorney. The Florida personal injury lawyers at Whittel & Melton are here to help if you are dealing with hurricane damage. We can be reached by phone at 866-608-5529 or through our online contact form.