More Flooding Expected In North Port After Hurricane Elsa

NORTH PORT, FL — Two days after Hurricane Elsa hit the West Coast of Florida, flooding remains a problem in the city of North Port.

“We are currently seeing concerning levels,” the city said in a news release. “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.”

Despite the city improving its system of canals and waterways to increase capacity, a significant rise in water levels is expected over the next three days.

“The water could come at a level not seen here in the city in decades,” North Port said. “Already water in some areas has come up 2 feet overnight. Some roads have nearly 4 feet of water on top of them.”

The areas that will likely see the most impact from rising waters are in the North Port Estates area and along the Myakkahatchee Creek Corridor.

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The Public Works department “has exhausted all available resources to relieve pressure from the system,” the city said. “It is not a system issue. It is a capacity issue.”

Emergency crews are patrolling North Port Estates to inform residents of additional flooding and to assist where they can. Electronic sign boards will be placed in some areas of the city, as well.

The city has opened a call center for residents who have concerns regarding the flooding. Residents can call 941-429-7169 for assistance.

Those who live in areas prone to flooding are asked to consider voluntary evacuations as quickly as possible, the city said. North Port is working with Sarasota County Emergency Operations to open an evacuation center.

Many roads in impacted areas won’t be passable as the water rises, the city added. City crews have high-water vehicles available and have already made several service calls.