Residents and officials across Seminole County are reporting downed traffic lights, flooded streets, and flying debris as Tropical Storm makes its way through Central Florida.
Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma is advising all citizens to stay off the roads unless they are “performing essential jobs.” Multiple heavy rescue vehicles are currently on hand to aid those stranded in floodwaters.
Flood terrain vehicles from the Seminole County Fire Department and SCSO are assisting with rescues in flooded areas. The county says that the fire department received 250 calls for service to 911 last night. The National Guard, who had been staging in Sanford, is deploying 10 vehicles to assist local agencies.
In Maitland, eight of the city’s 42 sewer lift stations are without power and operating under backup generators, according to Maitland Fire Rescue Department officials. Heavy flows are overburdening the municipal sewer system in the Dommerich Hills area and residents are being asked to minimize water use that requires sewer service.
According to the Sanford Police Department, multiple traffic signals are not functioning around the area, including those at 25th Street and French Avenue, Airport Boulevard and 17-92, French Avenue and 20th Street, Americana Boulevard and 17-92, 25th Street and Airport Boulevard, and 3rd Street and French Avenue.
Multiple parks and intersections are currently flooded, including Magnolia Park and Sanford Avenue north of 25th Street, among others.
City of Oviedo emergency personnel that are surveying the city say that flooding on multiple thoroughfares is making for “impassable and dangerous” driving conditions.
In Casselberry, multiple streets are closed throughout the city due to flooding, with reports of downed power lines and trees. The Casselberry Police Department is asking all residents to stay off the roads.
Seminole County residents are advised to report property damage created by Tropical Storm Ian to the Seminole County Emergency Management Services department or by filling out the Seminole County Damage Report portal.