Drivers rescued from cars at 2 flooded intersections in Orange County

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Two busy intersections flooded Tuesday evening in the Pine Hills neighborhood, Orange County Fire Rescue said.

Multiple vehicles flooded at Silver Star Road and North Powers Drive, agency spokeswoman Ashley Gipson said.

A vehicle was also stranded at North Hiawassee and Silver Star roads, Gipson said.

Firefighters said they had to rescue people from vehicles at both intersections.

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Resident Kathy Cook said flooding has been more problematic this year than in previous years.

"I have (a) small car," she said. "My husband has a truck, and even his truck couldn't (have) been able to get out, (because) the fire department wasn't even able to get in."

The county said it started monitoring flooding patterns in the area last month by using traffic cameras. It said drainage at the intersection sends water into a nearby lake, but the lake has been swollen by recent heavy rains.

The county said it has set up three pumps and hoses to send lake water to pump stations, and it has contacted a consultant to devise a permanent fix to the flooding.

Firefighters said three cars were abandoned Tuesday evening. The road was reopened early Wednesday.

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Cox Media Group