Seminole County braces for ‘very prolonged slow flooding event’

Water levels along Lake Monroe in Sanford may be the lowest residents see for weeks as floodwaters move north from Brevard County into Seminole County along the St. Johns River, emergency officials said.

Seminole County Emergency Management officials said the area is bracing for a slow, prolonged flooding event tied to last week’s major storm in Brevard County.

Because the St. Johns River flows north, rising water is expected to push into Seminole County and nearby tributaries over an extended period. Lake Monroe could crest at more than 6 feet, and Lake Harney could crest at more than 10 feet in the next few weeks.

[WATCH: St. Johns River flooding threatens Sanford road near Lake Monroe]

“We’re anticipating reaching just between moderate and major flood stage on our rivers as far as cresting in the Sanford area and Lake Harney area as far out as the 20th of November all the way through the 23rd,” said Steven Lerner, division manager for Seminole County Emergency Management. “So this is going to be a very prolonged slow flooding event for us.”

Officials said the influx of water could linger for weeks. Lerner said it could be well into December before water levels begin to recede. If the area sees more rain, the river and lakes could rise even more.

“The St. Johns River is one of those unusual rivers that flow north, so it takes a very long time for the water to come through the different tributaries,” Lerner said. “It also actually reverse flows sometimes throughout the day, so this will continue to ebb and flow as the water moves through our community.”

[WATCH: St. Johns River flooding forces Seminole County residents to sandbag homes]

Sandbag locations are expected to open Tuesday in Geneva and Sanford for residents who may see flooding impacts. On Tuesday, the Old Geneva Fire Station and Wayside Park near Lake Monroe are expected to have sand for residents to fill as many as 15 sandbags per household, and people are encouraged to bring their own shovels.

County officials said flooding is not the only concern. With water levels rising, residents are being urged to dump or cover standing water to help prevent mosquito breeding.

Emergency management officials said they will continue monitoring river levels as the water moves through the region in the coming weeks.