Major Flooding In Punta Gorda – Road Closures Due To Hurricane Idalia
The U.S. 41 bridges over the Peace River are closed until further notice due to road flooding in Punta Gorda, Florida. Storm surge, high tides and excessive rainfall from Hurricane Idalia have caused widespread localized flooding, particularly in coastal areas. These conditions will continue to worsen this morning.
The Beach Road causeway leading to Manasota Key is closed until further notice. Avoid driving in downtown Punta Gorda where there are reports of flooded roads and disabled vehicles stretching from Cooper Street to Berry Street. Sections of Riverside Drive in Punta Gorda and Harborview Road and Bayshore Drive in Charlotte Harbor are susceptible to flooding. Hydroplaning incidents have been reported by law enforcement.
As of 6am Wednesday, radar still shows bands of rain coming through the Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda area.
This conditions will be increasingly worse as you travel north near the coast. Reports of widespread flooding have also been reported in St. Pete.
Idalia has grown beyond expectations and is now a Category 4 storm with landfall expected this morning. Here’s the current look.
We’ll get a more detailed look at the damage in Charlotte County once the sun comes out, but keep in mind that many roads in Charlotte are flooded. It’s much worse as you travel north. I don’t have to remind you the dangers of surge.