DeSoto Schools Close as Flood Warning Covers Three Florida Counties

DeSoto County schools closed for Monday operations due to high water conditions that have created hazards across the county and North Port. Officials confirmed the closure as rain continued to impact the region.

Chief Meteorologist Bob Harrigan reported that some areas received up to one foot of rain over the previous two days. He stated that a foot of rain has fallen in East DeSoto and Hardy counties, with similar totals near Sebring and Avon Park. Harrigan noted that coastal areas on the east side of the state recorded higher totals comparable to those associated with tropical cyclones.

A flood warning is active for all of Highlands, Hardy, and DeSoto counties. Harrigan described the situation as a first alert weather event lasting through Monday night and Tuesday. He explained that the rain is moving through Lake Okeechobee and into Highlands County, driven by a mid-level low pressure system. He indicated he is not concerned about the system developing into tropical weather at this time.

Harrigan said rainfall had temporarily stopped but was not finished. He projected an additional one to three inches of rain for Monday night and Tuesday. He stated that while no significant flooding had entered homes at that moment, further inundation was possible later in the week.

Drivers encountered stalled vehicles on Monday morning, prompting officials to urge motorists to turn around when seeing difficult road conditions. Harrigan noted that rivers are expected to crest on Wednesday and Thursday, rather than earlier in the week. The forecast includes a slight chance for a few showers as the water levels continue to rise.