National Weather Service issued a Severe Flood Warning for DeSoto CountyFlorida in effect through 11 · 2026 · 12 · 00, covering Horse Creek near Arcadia at SR 72 on Sunday. The warning indicated minor flooding with the river expected to rise above flood stage and reach 12.2 feet by Sunday evening.
Last update: 11 September 2026. The advisory matters because a Flood Warning signals that flooding is imminent or occurring and that rivers can overflow their banks, threatening low-lying areas and roadways. Residents and travelers in the affected area were advised to avoid flooded roads and to be prepared to take action if conditions worsened.
Timing and official advisory details
The National Weather Service initially placed the warning in effect through 11 September 2026, 12:00, and an updated notice from a regional office extended or reiterated the warning until 21:30 on 11 September 2026. The advisory named the specific gauge location as Horse Creek near Arcadia at SR 72 and forecast that the river would rise above flood stage early Monday morning in some notices, with a crest forecast at 12.2 feet on Sunday and the statement that “additional rises are possible thereafter.”
Impacts and public safety guidance
The warning described the potential for overflow of river banks and inundation of low-lying areas in DeSoto County. Authorities emphasized that most flood deaths occur in vehicles and advised residents to avoid walking or driving through flooded roads. In case of an emergency, dial 911, and follow guidance from the National Weather Service and local emergency officials.
Location-specific information
The affected location is identified precisely as Horse Creek at SR 72 near Arcadia in DeSoto CountyFlorida. Forecast language in official products noted minor flooding expected with the river rising above flood stage on Sunday morning and continuing to 12.2 feet by Sunday evening, with some updates indicating early Monday morning rises and the possibility of additional increases after the initial crest.
Residents in the Horse Creek corridor were urged to monitor official channels for further updates and to exercise caution near riverbanks, which can be unstable during flood events. Last update: 11 September 2026.
