Charlotte County dealing with flooding following Hurricane Idalia

UPDATE from Punta Gorda Police as of 3:45 p.m:

Most Charlotte County offices will reopen at noon Thursday, with some exceptions. For full list, check CharlotteCounty.gov. There are some areas are still flooding as Idalia moves away from Florida. The high tide for the city of Punta Gorda took place at 3 p.m., and there hasn’t been an increase in flood water.

2 p.m. update:

Downtown Punta Gorda is still experiencing flooding and the 41 bridges to and from Punta Gorda are still closed due to the upcoming high tide. There is still standing water in these areas making the roads and bridges not drivable. Also, remember not to drive through standing water. The water could cover hazards such as downed power lines and standing water could cause you to lose control of your vehicle. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.

ORIGINAL REPORT:

Charlotte County Emergency Management Director Patrick Fuller said the effects of the storm surge brought by Hurricane Idalia are still being felt locally, even hours after it made landfall in the Big Bend area of the state.

Fuller said Charlotte County experienced heavy rainfall of over three inches, as well as 58 mph wind gusts at the Punta Gorda airport as a result of the storm.

And, he knows the county is not out of the woods yet. Two more high tides will happen Wednesday – along the coast around noon and in Punta Gorda at 3 p.m.

Areas experiencing flooding:

• Punta Gorda
• Riverside Drive
• Bayshore Road area
• Charlotte Harbor
• Manasota Key

Road Closures

• Tom Adams Bridge to Manasota Key
• U.S. 41 Bridge over the Peace River
• Special Note: Manasota Key Road just north of Blind Pass/Middle Beach in Sarasota County is washed out, and traffic cannot pass in either direction.

If you do not feel safe in your home, there is a refuge site open in Centennial Park at 11220 Centennial Boulevard.