Hernando County Emergency Management advised caution for drivers today as part of US-301 has been closed due to Withlacoochee River flooding. The closure affects both southbound and northbound lanes, with the Florida Department of Transportation shutting down southbound at SR 50 and northbound at SR 575/Trilby Road, as reported by WFLA.
In response to the rising waters, Hernando County also created an emergency road over the weekend, which provides access to residents with properties affected by the flooding between Kettering Road and Cyril Drive off State Road 50, according to details obtained by WTSP. Warning that the inundation of the area will cause delays in emergency services, the closure will remain in place until the river levels subside. A detour through Ridge Manor has been set up to assist motorists.
The Withlacoochee River is currently at 19.02 feet, expected to crest at 19.3 feet early Thursday. Pasco County's segment of the river is also on the rise and is forecasted to reach its peak on Friday afternoon. Days following the landfall of Hurricane Milton, evacuations have been prompted in low-lying areas due to the continuous rise of river levels. In a statement obtained by FOX 13, Hernando County Emergency Operations Director David DeCarlo emphasized the gravity of the situation, saying, "If you're in that area and you think you're going to hunker down, please do not."
For those needing to evacuate, a public shelter is open at the Enrichment Center located at 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd. in Brooksville. DeCarlo also shared that the power might have to be shut off before the river crests to ensure safety. He stated the importance of avoiding injuries, highlighting the county's history of no fatalities in previous storms. Residents needing evacuation assistance can contact the Hernando County Citizens Helpline at 352-754-4083 or call 911 in emergencies. The county has advised that emergency response times may be delayed due to flooding in the area.
