Floodwaters lead to voluntary evacuations in Lake County

ASTOR — Hurricane Milton’s effects are still being felt in several communities in Central Florida.

Across Lake County and other areas residents are seeing record high levels along the St. Johns River. While some areas are already at a major flood stage, water levels are expected to rise even more this week.

What You Need To Know

• Floodwaters have flooded Astor and a Lake County mobile home park
• Fifteen shelters have been opened to shelter about 1,700 people in Lake County, officials said
• Residents in the Emerald Lakes Mobile Home Park voluntarily evacuated, Clermont police say
• Emerald Lakes park is connected to Clermont Chain of Lakes while Astor is along the St. Johns River

Fifteen shelters were opened for about 1,700 evacuees in Lake County, and officials said at this time they’re looking at about $10 million in damage in Lake County, However, that number could double or even triple once all the water recedes and areas that are currently not accessible can be surveyed, officials said.

“As a result of the storm, the St. Johns River at Astor hit a historic high of 4.81 feet,” Lake County Emergency Management Director Megan Milanese said. “Water does not recede quickly, unfortunately, so we do expect to see levels remain high for the foreseeable future.”