Peace River Reaches Major Flood Stage at Arcadia, and DeSoto Schools Stay Closed Through Wednesday

Florida's Election Eve flood emergency moved from the sky to the rivers on Monday. The National Weather Service upgraded the Peace River in Arcadia to a major flooding stage as rain continued to fall, and forecasters expect the river to crest just west of Arcadia on Thursday evening, with about 60 homes potentially taking on water. Rivers keep rising even after the heaviest rain moves out, which extends the danger window well past Election Day for DeSoto County, the closest of the seven emergency counties to Southwest Florida.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Executive Order 26-227 on Monday declaring a state of emergency in Brevard, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie counties after several days of heavy rainfall and significant flooding; flash flood warnings were in effect Monday afternoon for portions of all seven, and state officials warned the flooding could affect major highways, local roadways, schools, airports and other critical infrastructure. State resources are now authorized to assist the affected counties. Rainfall totals approached a foot near Avon Park and Sebring — amounts usually reserved for a tropical system, meteorologist Bob Harrigan noted.

The school map shows where the water is worst. DeSoto County's school district closed all public schools and district offices until Thursday, covering every school and after-school activity, because of flooding and road conditions. Hardee County released students early Monday and will be closed Tuesday, and Highlands County closed its schools Tuesday — including classes taken at South Florida State College and Highlands Virtual School — as roads became impassable. Fort Myers, by contrast, is on the storm's dry side: the station's live feed read 76.3 degrees in rain Monday evening, with Election Day forecast at 84.4 degrees and only a 20 percent rain chance before thunderstorms return Thursday.