Sarasota County Ravaged by Unprecedented Flooding

Torrential Rains Cause Widespread Damage and Displacement

Emergency Services Overwhelmed, Residents Urged to Stay Home

Sarasota County, Florida, has been hit by a catastrophic flood event, leaving thousands of residents displaced and emergency services overwhelmed.

Torrential rains began pounding the area on Tuesday, leading to widespread flooding that has inundated homes, businesses, and roadways.

The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that the county has received over 20 inches of rain in the past 24 hours, with more expected in the coming days.

Residents Urged to Stay Home

County officials are urging residents to stay home as emergency crews work to clear roads, rescue stranded motorists, and provide assistance to those affected by the flooding.

Numerous roads and bridges have been closed due to high water, making travel extremely dangerous.

Residents who must leave their homes are advised to take precautions and avoid driving through flooded areas.

Emergency Services Overwhelmed

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office reports that its 911 call center has been inundated with calls for assistance.

Emergency responders are prioritizing calls for life-threatening situations and urging residents to only call 911 if they are in immediate danger.

The county has set up several evacuation shelters for displaced residents, which can be found at the following locations:

• Suncoast Community Church, 7511 26th Street W, Bradenton
• Salvation Army, 1400 10th Street, Sarasota
• Twin Lakes Park Recreation Center, 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota

Stay Informed and Follow Safety Precautions

Residents should stay informed about the latest weather conditions and safety precautions by monitoring local news sources and the NWS website.

Here are some additional safety tips to follow during a flood event:

• Avoid driving through flooded areas.
• Be aware of downed power lines and other hazards.
• Stay away from creeks, rivers, and other bodies of water.
• If you must evacuate your home, take essential belongings and medications with you.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities and emergency responders.

For more information and updates, visit the Sarasota County website at www.scgov.net.