Nearly 20 Inches Floods Central Florida

A slow-moving storm dumped exceptionally heavy rain across Central Florida, with nearly 20 inches recorded in spots — 19.7 inches in Eustis and 15.57 inches in Port St. John — amounts forecasters said rival hurricane rainfall. The deluge triggered a flash flood emergency focused on Eustis and Mount Dora, prompting widespread flash flooding, stranded vehicles, inundated and closed roadways, and at least two washed-out roads. Emergency managers held press briefings as crews assessed damage and authorities issued a precautionary boil-water notice after a water-line issue. Officials warned that an additional 2–3 inches of rain could trigger further flash flooding and kept flood watches and warnings in effect, with impacts expected to persist into Monday. South Florida also experienced intense thunderstorms and heavy downpours, and responders urged residents to avoid flooded roadways and follow local advisories.