Flood Warning Continues for Myakka River in Sarasota County: Minor Flooding Ongoing 8/29

Photo byNational Weather Service

Myakka River at State Park remains above flood stage; road closures and caution urged.

[TAMPA BAY] — Issued by the National Weather Service at 8:50 PM EDT on Wednesday, August 28, 2024.

A Flood Warning remains in effect for the Myakka River at Myakka River State Park in Sarasota County, Florida. The National Weather Service reports that minor flooding is occurring and is expected to continue until further notice. The river is currently steady at 8.0 feet, which is above its flood stage of 7.0 feet.

Current Conditions and Forecast

As of 8:00 PM EDT Wednesday, the Myakka River was at 8.0 feet, causing minor flooding. The river is forecasted to remain at this level, which means areas around the river, including Myakka River State Park, will continue to experience flooding impacts.

Impacts Include:

• At 8.0 feet, the main road at Myakka River State Park is flooded, affecting park access and visitor safety.

Precautionary Measures and Safety Tips

Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution:

• Avoid walking near riverbanks as they may be unstable.
• Do not drive around barricades or through flooded areas.
• Turn around, don’t drown: Most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles attempting to cross flooded roads.

Historical Context and Additional Information

This flood event is comparable to a previous crest of 8.0 feet recorded on October 8, 1943. Motorists and pedestrians should heed all safety warnings and keep informed by monitoring local news and weather updates.

Stay Updated on Flood Conditions

The National Weather Service will issue the next statement on Thursday afternoon by noon EDT. For the latest information, please visit the National Weather Service's flood safety page.

Weather Watches, Warnings & Advisories are frequently updated by the NWS. Please look for updates to this report from the National Weather Service, or your local news channels and NOAA All Hazards.

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