A flood warning remains in effect for the Peace River at State Road 70 near Arcadia, Florida, as two inland counties close schools after heavy rain. The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay reported minor flooding Monday evening and forecast major flooding later this week.
In its 8:57 p.m. EST Monday bulletin, the weather service forecast a crest of 16.7 feet Thursday morning. Flood stage at that gauge is 11 feet, and the river was at 11.6 feet at 8:30 p.m. Monday. The agency says flooding at 16 feet can reach as many as 60 homes in River Acres. The warning is in effect until further notice.
DeSoto County public schools and district offices will close Tuesday, November 3, and Wednesday, November 4. Hardee County schools will close Tuesday, according to the Florida Department of Education. Tampa Bay 28 reported that the DeSoto closure also applies to after-school activities.
In Hardee County, a separate flood warning covers the Peace River at State Road 17 in Zolfo Springs through Thursday afternoon. The same bulletin forecast minor flooding there, with the river cresting at 18 feet Tuesday evening. Flood stage at that gauge is 16 feet.
The weather service urges drivers to turn around when they encounter flooded roads.
