Palm Bay residents face 22 inches of rain as Red Cross opens Cocoa shelter
Southern Brevard County is battling severe flooding, with emergency crews using boats to rescue stranded residents and local officials coordinating aid efforts.
By Benjamin Bernard ·
Rainfall totals reached 22 inches in parts of Southern Brevard County since midnight, submerging roads and trapping vehicles in communities from Melbourne to Grant-Valkaria. The heavy precipitation, which ranged between 16 and 22 inches, caused widespread flooding across Central Florida. Emergency crews reported that water levels rose quickly, forcing them to stretch their resources thin to reach those isolated by the rising waters.
The American Red Cross responded by opening an emergency shelter in Cocoa to house displaced residents from Palm Bay and nearby areas. The facility provides cots, blankets, meals, and personal care items at no cost. Brevard County Emergency Management and local officials are arranging transportation to help people get to the shelter. Those in need can call 1-800-RED-CROSS to request assistance.
Palm Bay has been one of the hardest-hit locations. Officials issued a shelter-in-place advisory as floodwaters overwhelmed streets. Police and fire departments deployed boats and high-water rescue vehicles to evacuate residents. Some evacuees were brought to City Hall, which is serving as a temporary meeting point. Local authorities have requested additional high-water vehicles to continue reaching people in flooded neighborhoods.
Janice Moran, executive director of the American Red Cross Central Florida Coast, stated that her organization is working with local officials and faith-based groups to identify specific needs and provide assistance. She noted that the effort is a coordinated response to the displacement caused by the storm.
Authorities are urging residents to avoid driving through flooded roads or walking through moving water. They recommend calling 911 for emergency help rather than driving to a fire station. This guidance aims to keep roads clear for rescue vehicles and prevent further accidents in the moving water.
More rain is possible through Tuesday morning, which could worsen the existing flooding. Scattered showers and storms are expected on Tuesday and Wednesday, with another 1 to 2 inches of rain possible in some areas. Rain chances are expected to decrease from Thursday through the weekend as drier air moves into the region. High temperatures will remain in the low to mid-80s, with overnight lows in the 60s and low 70s. A stronger cold front could approach Central Florida early next week.
Source: WOFL
