ASTOR, Fla. — As local officials continue to track Tropical Storm Helene, communities across Central Florida are ramping up preparations.
Residents in Astor, an unincorporated community in Lake County, are dealing with flooding from heavy rain in recent weeks – and now they brace for the potential impact of Tropical Storm Helene.
“Heading into Helene, our grounds are obviously pretty saturated. We've had a lot of rainfall lately. At this time, we're looking at between 2 to 4 inches of rain. It is going to take up substantially a lot more rain to put us into a major flood stage,” Emergency Management Deputy Director Nicholas Gurth said.
Several homes in the Astor community are located along the St. Johns River, making it a vulnerable spot for flooding.
Gurth advised residents to prepare their properties and families for the weather conditions over the coming days and to stay away from flooded areas.
“I couldn't recommend less going into flood water unless they absolutely have to. You know, there can obviously be contaminants in the water. There can be critters and animals and that type of stuff. So, it's important to avoid flooded roadways. Turn around, don't drown is one of the things that we always say,” Gurth said.
Lake County is included in the State of Florida’s Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency.
Several roads and driveways are currently flooded in Astor, and the storm is predicted to bring heavy rain and winds to the area.
St. Johns River Water Management District Bureau Chief Tim Miller said they are monitoring conditions.
“Right now, at Astor specifically, we're seeing a moderate flood stage and it's at the lower end of that moderate flood stage,” Miller said.
He explained the rest of the river is not in a flood stage, it’s just in the Astor location where they are seeing this level.
“Of course, that depends on the rainfall that we get from the storm. Right now, rainfall amounts that I’ve seen predicted are anywhere from two to maybe four inches on the upper end, especially in Central Florida it's less than what they're going to see further to the west,” Miller said.
He encouraged residents who live along the St. Johns River to stay informed through the county's emergency operations center as well as their local municipalities for updates about the storm.
The Lake County Emergency Operations Center is currently activated to a Level 2 and expects to shift to a Level 1 activation tomorrow at 7 a.m. The Office of Emergency Management has released new details to help residents prepare for the anticipated storm.
The Lake County Citizens Information Line will remain open daily thereafter from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Citizens who need information are encouraged to call the line at 352-253-9999 for assistance. 911 should only be used to request emergency aid.
Starting Wednesday, eight sandbag locations will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or until weather conditions become unsafe. Sand and bags will be available on-site. Residents should bring their own shovels and must fill their own bags.
Residents who need help filling their sandbags can visit one of the three locations marked with asterisks (**). Those locations will have assistance on-site.
1. East Lake Sports and Community Complex
24809 Wallick Rd, Sorrento, FL 32776
2. Frank Brown Sports Complex
1245 E Pine Ave, Mt Dora, FL 32757
3. North Lake Regional Park
40730 Roger Giles Rd, Umatilla, FL 32784
4. Astor Fire Station 10**
23023 State Road 40, Astor, FL 32102
5. Minneola Athletic Complex**
1300 Fosgate Road (13930 Education Ave) Minneola, FL 34715
6. PEAR Gateway Park (Front Entrance)**
26701 US Hwy 27, Leesburg, FL 34748
7. Four Corners Fire Station 112
16240 CR474, Clermont FL 34714
8. Hickory Point Recreation Complex
27315 SR 19, Tavares FL 32778