PALM COAST, Fla. – Several roads in Flagler County were closed Saturday after two days of heavy rain dumped as much as 18 inches of water, flooding certain areas.
Sheriff's deputies said the entire county received between 5 and 10 inches of rain between Friday and Saturday.
IMAGES: Sheriff's Office photos of flooding
Several roads were closed and several others were deemed hazardous. Several vehicles have been abandoned in flood waters and authorities also reported downed trees.
County and city officials were closely monitoring the storms, which are expected to continue into Monday and Tuesday. The county was under a flood watch until 8 p.m. Saturday
Officials are still assessing damage, but said 15 structures received minor flood damage after a preliminary look.
Authorities said the city of Palm Coast and some portions of Western Flagler County were the most heavily impacted.
Flagler County Emergency Services, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office and City of Palm Coast officials are closely monitoring the situation closely.
Palm Coast Public Works Department crews worked to clean out catch basins. Tank trucks were also used to pump down the city's waste-water collection stations. The pumping will continue through Saturday or longer as needed.
Residents are urged not to use excessive water while the waste-water system is stressed. Residents are asked to avoid doing laundry, irrigating lawns and washing cars Saturday.
County officials are in the process of conducting damage assessments. There have been reports of 6 buildings sustaining minor damage due to flooding. If you have any damage you can call 386-313-4200.
Roads Closures
Daytona North: Forest Park-Mahogany to Clove
Flagler County:
Hargrove Grade-Otis Stone to Hargrove at the rail road tracks.
Otis Stone Hunter from US Highway 1 to Main Street.
Palm Coast:
Bird of Paradise and all streets in that vicinity.
In addition, a number of other roads are open but have experienced excessive water. These areas include; Daytona North, Flagler Beach, Palm Coast and North Western Flagler County.
Flagler County's Emergency Management officials encourage residents to follow these safety steps:
- Residents should not drive on or through flooded streets. Motorists are urged to turn around and find an alternate route.
- If flooding occurs, get to higher ground.
- Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams.
- Do not walk through standing water. Assume that all standing water could be contaminated.
- Be advised that flash flood situations can develop off-shore quickly and citizens should pay close attention to changing weather.
- Be especially cautious at night when it's harder to recognize flood dangers.
- If you hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightening, seek shelter immediately and remain there at least 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder.
As the rain continues, the city of Palm Coat has free sandbags and a sand station at the Public Works yard, located at 1 Wellfield Grade, Palm Coast. Residents who already have their own sandbags can also get sand for their sandbags at stations at Holland Park, Indian Trails Sports Complex and Seminole Woods Park.