Indian River County has been severely impacted by significant rainfall and road closures. The National Weather Service reported that Fellsmere received around 14 inches of rain, while Vero Lake Estates got about 13 inches.
Ryan Lloyd, the county’s Emergency Management Coordinator, has requested that residents and businesses help document the damage caused by the storm, which began on November 16th.
To report damage, individuals can visit the county’s emergency management website or they can email their documentation. The Public Works Department, including the Road & Bridge and Traffic Departments, is actively assessing the impact in affected areas. They have placed road flooding and closure signs as an immediate response to the extensively flooded roads.
Efforts to repair damaged and washed-out roads will intensify once the water levels recede. Kirstin Leiendecker, Assistant Public Works Director, mentioned that staff are prepared to work over the weekend, with necessary equipment already stationed in a designated area. The focus is on monitoring blockages to facilitate water drainage from the area.
Leiendecker also warned that the flooded conditions might persist throughout the weekend. Plans are in place to deploy grading equipment next week to restore the roads to a drivable state as quickly as possible. Citizens are advised to exercise extreme caution while traveling in the affected areas, as hidden washouts may present unforeseen dangers.
