OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Areas in Osceola County are under voluntary evacuation orders as water continues to drain into low-lying neighborhoods.
The major areas include Edgewater, Whisler Court, Turtle Creek, Oaktree Point, Chisholm Ridge, Hidden Oaks, Rummel-Rookery, Lake Runny Mead mobile home park, Ashton Place, Oaktree Point, Blackberry Creek and Pemberly Pines.
Those who wish to evacuate can seek shelter at the Osceola Heritage Park. Sandbags will also be available at the shelter and at the St. Cloud Civic Center.
Officials expect flooding to reach its absolute peak by mid-next week, but waters are already rising and will get more difficult for residents to leave over the next week.
Interactive map for Osceola County residents to check flood risk
The mayor of St. Cloud is urging people to evacuate if they live in a low-lying impacted area.
“We urge all of our citizens, please take this seriously. Don’t wait until the last minute,” Mayor Nathan Blackwell said.
Areas across Seminole County feeding into the St. Johns River are expected to see rising water too.
And in Kissimmee, there’s a voluntary order for Shingle Creek Reserve at the Oaks.
In addition to voluntary evacuation orders, school is also canceled for Osceola County Monday.