Many areas of Central Florida that saw flash flooding have seen the water go down. But all that water has to go somewhere, and people who live along major bodies of water all that water flows into are now seeing the water rise. 

Several dozen homeowners who live along the St. Johns River in Sanford say the flooding is already worse than what they saw after Hurricane Irma five years ago, and the river isn’t expected to crest until later this week. 

The floodwater has covered their backyard and is inches from going into their home.

“This is the highest anyone’s ever seen it, and we’ve got more days until it crests,” said Kim Waxman. 

“We’ll see, see how our handy work does.”

The rising waters are forcing many people to leave their homes. Kim and Dennis Waxman have power, but their septic system is not working, so they’re staying in a hotel. They have to use canoes to go back into their home. It’s tough to leave.

“I guess the reality sinks in as you paddle out of your driveway,” said Dennis Waxman.

“It’s all fun and games until you’re really paddling to your car.”

The Waxmans went back to their home to get items they hope will prompt their two cats to come back to them. The cats ran away from a relative’s home while the couple was staying at a hotel. But they’re hoping their pets return, and they’re trying to keep a positive attitude.

“I mean, at this point, our house is in one piece,” said Waxman. “We can’t use it right now. It’s going to be fine.”

The Wasmans said it took months for water to fully recede after Hurricane Irma. And this time the flooding is worse. They expect to not be able to live in their home for at least two months, if not longer.