National Weather Service issued a Severe Flood Warning for the St Johns River near Astor affecting Lake and Volusia counties on 16 October 2026 and renewed the alert through 18 October 2026; the warning covers observed and forecast river rises and urges public caution. Last update: 18 October 2026.
Why the warning matters
The warning identifies flooding that is occurring or is imminent along the St Johns River at Astor and highlights hazards to low-lying areas, roads and properties near the river. Motorists were urged to exercise caution and not to drive around barricades or drive through flooded areas, and residents were told to stay informed and follow local emergency guidance. The advisory emphasized to Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies and to follow emergency services instructions.
Observed levels and recent measurements
Initial observations showed a stage of 2.5 feet at 8:30 PM EDT on Friday with a maximum stage of 2.7 feet in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 PM EDT that same day. The NWS reported a stage of 2.6 feet at 8:30 AM EDT on Sunday during subsequent checks. Flood stage is 2.3 feet and bankfull stage is 2.0 feet, indicating that recent readings have been above bankfull and near or above flood stage, prompting the Severe Flood classification.
Forecast and timing
The forecast in the renewed warning projected the St Johns River at Astor to remain in Minor Flood Stage on Saturday, rise to Moderate Flood Stage on Sunday, and continue a steady increase through Moderate Flood Stage into next week. The NWS forecast included an expected rise to 3.3 feet early Tuesday afternoon or morning in successive updates. The alert continuity spanned from 16 October 2026 at 21:21 until 17 October 2026 at 12:00 in the original issuance and was extended through 18 October 2026 at 23:00 in later messages.
Public safety instructions and local impact
Officials advised that a Flood Warning indicates flooding is occurring or expected and instructed the public to follow guidance from the National Weather Service and local emergency services, to Call 911 for emergencies, and to avoid walking near riverbanks. Messages specifically told motorists: “Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas.” Residents were urged to monitor updates and be prepared to move to higher ground if conditions worsened.
