Major flooding persists in Volusia County this week as historically high rainfall levels continue to drain into the St. John’s River basin, bringing unprecedented flooding to communities along the river, and in portions of DeLand, Deltona and Osteen.
In Astor, the highest levels have already occurred, where the river was observed 4.71 feet above regular levels, breaking the 1933 record of 4.62 feet. Many homes and businesses remain flooded, however, and water levels are receding slowly.
The entire St. Johns River is now a no-wake zone.
On Oct. 2, Volusia County warned on its storm information website: “Any wake at all could send water into homes. Law enforcement has a strong presence along the river and is monitoring conditions. Please be considerate of your friends and neighbors.”
In parts of Deltona, roads and homes remain flooded. Any attempt to drive on flooded roads can cause a wake that pushes water into homes. Catalina Boulevard and Sixma Road, near Lake Sixma, are currently flooded, as is Haulover Boulevard to Courtland Boulevard.
Stone Island, a small subdivision on the northwest shore of Lake Monroe and the St. Johns River in south Deltona, is continuing to flood. The single road in and out, Stone Island Road, is flooded and impassable.
According to the National Weather Service, water levels on the St. Johns River at Lake Monroe, south of Deltona and DeBary, could continue to rise through Thursday. Currently, the river there is at major flood stage of 8 feet, and projected to rise as high as 8.5 feet. The record level is 8.51 feet, recorded in 1953.
In Osteen, Volusia County Sheriff’s Office deputies rescued a stranded driver trapped on top of a completely submerged Chevy Silverado in the early-morning hours of Oct. 1. Officers navigated through about 5 feet of water to near Osteen Maytown and Shoreline roads, where they pulled the driver to safety with a life ring.
Osteen residents can pick up free pre-loaded sandbags today, Monday, Oct. 3, the Osteen Civic Center, 165 New Smyrna Blvd. Sandbags are only provided to Osteen residents affected by flooding.
In DeLand, as of 11:30 a.m. Oct. 3, the river is projected to crest at 6.2 feet at Ed Stone Park later this week, breaking the 1964 record of 6.14 feet.
