Astor, FL – The St. Johns River continues to overflow its banks near Astor, prompting the National Weather Service (NWS) in Melbourne to extend a Flood Warning for Lake and Volusia counties through Saturday. Despite slight improvements, water levels remain above flood stage, and residents are being urged to exercise caution.
The Incident: River Flooding Continues Across Central Florida
According to the National Weather Service, the St. Johns River measured 2.9 feet Friday evening — just below its recent peak of 3.0 feet, but still above the 2.3-foot flood stage.
The continuing rise has led to minor flooding in low-lying areas along the river.
Floodwaters have reached the parking lot of Juno Trail Apartments, as well as Alligator Road and Holiday Road in Astor. Other affected zones include parts of Wildhog Road and McPherson Lane, where water is encroaching on yards and driveways.
Officials noted that the flooding, while moderate, could worsen if additional rainfall accumulates in the St. Johns basin over the weekend.
Investigation and Weather Monitoring
The NWS in Melbourne continues to monitor conditions closely, warning that river levels are expected to remain steady or just below the moderate flood stage through Saturday evening.
Hydrologists attribute the slow drainage to persistent rainfall and upstream flow that have kept the river from receding.
“Residents should be cautious near flooded roads and avoid walking or driving through standing water,” the National Weather Service advised in its latest bulletin. “Even shallow water can be dangerous and hide roadway damage.”
The agency confirmed that campgrounds near Astor Landing and other riverfront sites should remain on alert for rapidly changing water levels.
Public Safety Precautions
Authorities have emphasized the importance of flood safety, particularly in communities along Lake and Volusia County borders.
Residents are urged to:
- Avoid driving or walking through flooded roadways.
- Monitor updates from local emergency management and the National Weather Service.
- Secure outdoor belongings and move vehicles to higher ground.
- Check on vulnerable neighbors, especially those living near the river.
The NWS Flood Warning remains in effect until further notice, with the next update expected Saturday afternoon.
Statements and Local Impact
Local emergency managers reported that no evacuations have been ordered, but continued flooding is affecting access to certain homes and recreational areas.
“While the water levels have stabilized, they remain high enough to cause problems in some low-lying neighborhoods,” said a Volusia County emergency official. “We encourage everyone to stay alert and be prepared for changing conditions.”
Residents in Astor and nearby communities have reported water pooling in yards and campgrounds, with some driveways temporarily submerged. Local businesses along the riverbanks are also keeping a close eye on the situation.
Background Context: St. Johns River Flood Behavior
The St. Johns River, one of Florida’s longest waterways, often experiences prolonged flooding after extended periods of rainfall. The river flows northward toward Jacksonville, causing water to back up in low-lying southern areas like Astor.
Historically, flood warnings in this region can persist for days or weeks, even after rainfall stops, due to slow drainage rates and swampy terrain.
Meteorologists expect the situation to improve slightly by Sunday, but say continued monitoring is essential given recent weather patterns.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
The National Weather Service will issue its next flood update on Saturday afternoon, with real-time reports available at weather.gov/safety/flood.
Residents are advised to stay informed through local news, county alert systems, and weather radios.
Emergency teams will continue to inspect affected roadways and drainage systems to prevent additional damage or blockages. If necessary, crews will close roads that become unsafe for travel.
Conclusion
While flood conditions along the St. Johns River have slightly improved, water levels remain above flood stage, and the risk of renewed flooding persists through the weekend. Local officials urge residents in Astor and nearby communities to remain vigilant and follow safety guidance as conditions evolve.
How are flooding conditions affecting your area? Share your experiences and updates in the comments below.
