Eagle 8 HD aerial survey of Hurricane Milton storm damage, flooding

PASCO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — As the effects of Hurricane Milton continue to be felt across the state of Florida, Pasco County has recommended voluntary evacuations on Friday morning.

"Pasco County is experiencing historical flooding in low-lying areas and in several neighborhoods around the county near our rivers and lakes," an alert from the county said. "Water is quickly rising in these areas, and we encourage you to LEAVE and get to higher ground NOW.

"If you must travel around the county, be aware that dozens of flooded roads are closed, and you will have to navigate safely around them. Do NOT drive through floodwaters."

The following locations have been recommended to evacuate:

• Elfers
• Cypress Creek at Worthington Gardens
• Thousand Oaks
• Everyone in low-lying areas or areas prone to flooding

For those needing to get to a shelter, The River Ridge middle and high schools at 11646 Town Center, New Port Richey, is available.

The Wesley Chapel Recreation Center at 7727 Boyette Road was also opened as a shelter at around 1 p.m.

Fasano Regional Hurricane Center, at 11611 Denton Avenue, is also available for special needs individuals.

The westbound SR 52 from Old Pasco Road to Ehren Cutoff was closed on Thursday night, due to emergency utility work. The road is expected to be reopened around midday on Friday.

And all lanes of SR 54 at Rowan Rd., SR 54 at Old County Rd. 54 and Old County Rd. 54 at Thys St. were shut down due to flooded roadways.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is releasing additional water from the Medard Reservoir into the Alafia River "to protect the structural integrity of the reservoir," SFWMD officials announced Friday.

"While the District recognizes that homes along the Alafia River may already be experiencing flooding issues, not pumping the additional water from the reservoir and risking a failure, would further endanger residents and property downstream," a SFWMD news release stated.

Officials said the 600 cubic feet per second being released accounts for "less than 1%" of the overall river flow. The river is expected to crest Friday night.

So far, the county has experienced thousands of power outages.

To see the latest updates in the county including sandbags locations, emergency maps and recovery information, visit their website here.

If you are in an emergency situation, call 911.