City of North Port addresses the rising flooding concerns prompting a voluntary evacuation order

 

 

 

City of North Port addresses the rising flooding concerns prompting a voluntary evacuation order

Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC

 

 

 

City of North Port

 

 

The City of North Port’s Emergency Operation Center is still actively watching flooding impacts as a result of Hurricane Elsa. We are currently seeing concerning levels. A significant amount of rain fell on the City and the thousands of mostly undeveloped acres to our north. Those waters are now traveling south through the City, looking to ultimately exit into Charlotte Harbor. While huge improvements have been made to allow more capacity in our systems of canals and waterways, we could see some significant rise in levels over the next 72 hours. The water could come at a level not seen here in the City in decades. Already water in some areas has come up two feet overnight. Some roads have nearly four feet of water on top of them.

The areas with already rising water and most likely to be impacted are those in the North Port Estates area and those along the Myakkahatchee Creek Corridor. Public Works has exhausted all available resources to relieve pressure from the system. It is not a system issue. It is a capacity issue.

Emergency crews are currently patrolling the area of North Port Estates, looking to help and inform residents of the possible concerns. Electronic sign boards are being placed in some areas. The City is opening a call center for any residents who have specific concerns on the flooding. That number is 941-429-7169.

We are asking residents in areas prone to flooding to consider voluntary evacuations as quickly as possible. Many roads in the impacted areas will not be passable. We do have high water vehicles and have already had to make a few calls for service. The City is working in conjunction with Sarasota County Emergency Operations to open an evacuation center. More details on that to come, if needed.

Please continue to stay informed by following us on social media, utilizing the City app “North RePort”, or the City website at www.cityofnorthport.com/alerts.

We are also encouraging all residents to sign up for the “Alert Sarasota County” system to receiving emergency phone calls, texts, and emails related to specific areas of the City. You can sign up at www.alertsarasotacounty.com.