Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that the Withlacoochee River is quickly receding. However, many roads remain closed and are impassable without hazards and serious risk of safety. Sheriff Stewart explains for those with properties located along the flooded areas that the Sheriff’s Office will continue to patrol these areas and monitor conditions by land and vessel. Sheriff Stewart cautions motorist to not drive on roads with what appears to have low levels of water across them considering the unobvious erosion of roadways concealed under the waters. The Sheriff’s Office is making attempts to accommodate those with interest of specific properties as time allows.
Sheriff Stewart further reports that even though the Withlacoochee is receding, the Suwannee River continues to rise and is expected to crest at Ellaville by Friday at 12:00 noon at 55 feet. This level should not require any road closure of Highway 90 at Ellaville and for comparison the river crest at Ellaville in 2009 was 63.8 feet. The River at Dowling Park is expected to crest at 47.4 feet with the crest in 2009 being at 54 feet.
The Sheriff’s Office may be contacted at 850-973-4001.
