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Major flooding along Withlacoochee, officials urge evacuation

 
Rising Withlacoochee River water floods the Withlacoochee River Park and Canoe Rental at SR 575 in Dade City, along the river's Pasco County stretch, on Thursday. [CHERIE DIEZ   |   Times]                          

Rising Withlacoochee River water floods the Withlacoochee River Park and Canoe Rental at SR 575 in Dade City, along the river's Pasco County stretch, on Thursday. [CHERIE DIEZ | Times]
Published Sept. 17, 2017

BROOKSVILLE — Major flooding is threatening residents along the Withlacoochee River, emergency officials reported Sunday.

At 12:30 p.m., the river reached 16.8 feet at a gauge near U.S. 301, nearly five feet above its flood stage, elevating the flood status to "major." Waters are still rising, and National Weather Service forecasters predict major flooding to last at least through Friday.

Some 1,900 properties could flood, according to Hernando County spokeswoman Virginia Singer.

A voluntary evacuation order is in effect for endangered residents. Officials urged those in low-lying areas who see flood waters to leave now.

The Enrichment Center at 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd. in Brooksville is operating as a shelter for evacuees.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Hernando residents watch rising Withlacoochee River with dread