Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
Due to several days of rain over the past couple of weeks, the Withlacoochee River has flowed out of its banks and into the nearby floodplain. According to the National Weather Service, the river was expected to crest at Pinetta at 77.5 feet sometime on Tuesday, Feb. 23. Beginning during the afternoon hours of Wednesday, Feb. 24, and into Thursday evening, the river level should begin to slowly drop. The latest measurement of the river at Pinetta, on Monday, Feb. 22, at 11 a.m. showed the river at 76.99 feet, which is considered a minor flood stage. At that point along the river, water levels above 73 feet is considered minor flooding. A flood level of 79 feet is considered moderate flooding.
The local Emergency Management continues to monitor the situation. So far, the only road closure is Oak Hill Road, which is frequently prone to flooding. More information can be found, as it becomes available, on the Madison County Emergency Management's Facebook page. Although, as of this date, no property damage has been reported, residents and others along the river's banks are urged to use caution around the area and never attempt to cross a road that is submerged.