Officials warn about flooding in Panhandle
CARYVILLE (AP) – Officials are warning residents about flooding hazards across the Florida Panhandle as forecasters call for up to a foot more rain over the region this week.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for all Panhandle and Big Bend counties through Thursday, citing a “serious flood threat.”
Washington County officials declared a state of emergency. The Choctawhatchee River at Caryville was expected to crest at 18 feet Tuesday. Flood stage is 12 feet.
Voluntary evacuation orders were issued along the rising Chipola River in Jackson County.
Flooding washed out bridges and closed nine parks in Okaloosa.
Flooding from the Blackwater River damaged about 30 homes in Santa Rosa. No injuries reported.