Hernando County Emergency Management announces that the Withlacoochee River has reached major flood stage at the Trilby gauge. The river is currently observed at 16.79 feet and is expected to crest at 17.5 feet Wednesday, September 19. The crest is expected to last two days before the river begins to recede.

A voluntary evacuation order is in effect for approximately 4,000 residents living along the Withlacoochee River. More than 1,900 properties could potentially flood. First responders have been actively on site encouraging residents to heed the evacuation warning. The Enrichment Center, located at 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd. in Brooksville, has been designated as a host shelter.

PLEASE DO NOT risk the lives of our first responders. If you are living in a low-lying area and are seeing flood waters, we urge you to leave the area now.

Residents should be aware of the possibility that water wells and septic systems could become contaminated. Water testing should occur once water recedes. Infrastructure damages and power outages should also be expected.

The 2004 hurricane season was the last time the Withlacoochee River experienced this level of flooding. Go to www.weather.gov/serfc/ to track flooding at the Trilby and Croom gauges.

Hernando is a disaster-designated Florida county. Residents must register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster assistance – even if you have insurance. Go to www.fema.gov/news-release/2017/09/16/4337/what-expect-when-you-register-fema-disaster-assistance for more information.

Hernando County Government’s Office of Emergency Management continues to monitor and inform our community about storm impacts. Visit the following web and social media sites for more information.

• For the latest local conditions and a complete list of news alerts go to www.HernandoCounty.us/em
• Report road closures by calling (352) 754-4083 or go to hernandocounty.us/em/road-closures for a complete list
• Sign up to receive weather alerts at www.AlertHernando.org
• Follow us on Facebook @HernandoCoGov
• Follow us on Twitter @HernandoCoGov

• Help us track damage from Hurricane Irma by using #HernandoRecovers