Schools closed as rain floods DeSoto

DeSoto County schools are closed on Monday because of flooding that has stalled vehicles and turned roads into hazards. The shutdown comes as officials manage dangerous conditions across the county and the city of North Port.

Chief Meteorologist Bob Harrigan reported that parts of the region have received up to a foot of rain over the past two days. Those totals match rainfall levels typically associated with tropical cyclones or hurricanes. An additional one to three inches of precipitation is possible between Monday night and Tuesday.

The rain has moved through Lake Okeechobee and into Highlands County around a mid-level low pressure system. Harrigan said he does not expect that system to develop into anything tropical at this point. He noted that no significant flooding is currently entering homes, though that could change later as water moves through rivers and streams.

A flood warning is in effect for all of Highlands, Hardy, and DeSoto counties. This marks a first alert weather situation for those areas through Monday night and Tuesday. Rivers are expected to crest on Wednesday and Thursday, rather than earlier in the week.

Harrigan said at least one vehicle stalled out on Monday morning. He urged drivers to turn around when they see similar road conditions. While rain has temporarily stopped, it is not over, and totals near Sebring and Avon Park have also reached up to a foot.