“Growing Frequent: Port Orange Locals Express Concerns Over Flooding Issues”

PORT ORANGE, Fla. – Additional rainfall is anticipated this weekend, likely exacerbating flooding issues in various coastal regions of Central Florida, including areas near Halifax Road in Port Orange.

Gail Stevens, who has lived off of Halifax Road in Port Orange since the 1970s, says this is a constant problem they didn’t have years ago.

“This was a seldom occurrence unless it was a nor’easter or a hurricane out there, but now it’s happening more and more,” Stevens said.

She explained that seawater pours over into their streets every time it rains, just like it did earlier this week.

“When it rains normally, there’s usually no issue. But during high tide, it definitely overflows. The water breaches the seawall and spills onto the road, and with the current disturbances, it’s reaching further inland,” she explained.

This weekend’s heavy rain, Stevens added, brought even more trouble.

“Well, I really haven’t been out because, you know, I don’t want to drive in the saltwater. But yes, it does affect your ability to move around.”

[VIDEO: Scattered Downpours are possible across Central Florida]

The National Weather Service has extended the flood watch for several counties, including Brevard and Volusia, until Monday night.

Clint Mecham, the Director of Emergency Management for Volusia County, stated that crews are actively engaged in clearing out drains, canals, and ditches, while also cooperating with state and local partners to keep track of the conditions.

[RELATED VIDEO: ‘Will be lapping on our door:’ Shop owners battle flooding on North Beach Street]

“Ideally, the rain will be spread out over several days instead of falling all at once in a short time. The drainage systems are built to handle gradually accumulated stress,” Mecham said.

The flood watch is set to end Monday at 8 p.m.