The recent heavy rainfall in Milton has led to major flooding on several rivers, with water levels reaching historic highs in some areas. Nearly a dozen river gauges in the state are currently in major flood stage, causing concern for residents and authorities.
One of the most notable rivers affected is the Hillsborough River in Zephyrhills, which has surged to 15.46 feet, surpassing the previous record set in 1960. The river is expected to continue rising and could peak at 16.3 feet by early Friday morning, leading to flooding on numerous streets in Crystal Springs.
Another significant location experiencing record flooding is Cypress Creek near Worthington Gardens, with water levels forecasted to reach 15 feet by Saturday, exceeding the previous record from 2004. This poses a threat to homes along State Road 54, according to the Water Prediction Center.
Additionally, the St. John’s River at Astor is expected to reach its second-highest crest on record at 4.6 feet, just below the historic level set in 2022. Water rescues and evacuations may be necessary as low-lying homes become uninhabitable due to rising water levels.
Deep Creek at Spuds is also nearing record levels, currently at 5.74 feet and potentially surpassing the 2017 record by the weekend. The Water Prediction Center warns of extensive inundation of structures and roads in the area at these levels.
All of the affected river gauges are projected to remain at moderate flood stage or higher through the weekend, with some not cresting until at least Sunday. Residents are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this period of heightened flood risk.
