Withlacoochee River Rises, Threatening Homes In Hurricane Irma's Wake

TAMPA, FL — The waters of Withlacoochee River north of the Tampa Bay area continued to rise to potentially dangerous levels on Saturday. Officials went door-to-door warning nearby residents of the potential for record-high flooding in the coming days.

The new evacuations come as people from Key West to Jacksonville pick up the pieces after Hurricane Irma ravaged the state, leaving many still without power and school officials trying to determine when students can return to classes.

Hernando County officials said deputies, firefighters and officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission used boats to get to homes along the river to urge residents to get out as the water levels start rising, according to a news release. (For more hurricane updates and news from your local community, sign up for real-time news alerts and morning newsletters; find your local Florida Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

Sheriff's officials said the teams were prepared to help residents evacuate if needed. At this point, the evacuation is voluntary.

The National Weather Service said a gauge at Trilby in Pasco County is at 16.33 feet (5.9 meters), with the major flood stage is at 16.5 feet (6 meters).

Pasco County spokesman Doug Tobin told residents to keep an eye on the rising water and "seek safety if threatened."

Photo by Chris Livingston/Getty Images