GENEVA, Fla. — A flood warning for Seminole County neighborhoods along the St. John’s River basin will remain in effect until Tuesday morning since floodwaters are not expected to recede until next week.
The St. Johns River, which was swollen by Hurricane Irma’s rains, connects to the lake and its waters have crept into nearby yards. Water levels peaked Friday, according to National Weather Service data.
Seminole County Emergency Management officials said the water levels could stay above flood stage into next week.
[ Photos: Seminole County damage after Irma ]
Channel 9's Mike Manzoni surveyed the flooding in the neighborhoods near Lake Harney near Geneva, which officials said could be inundated with as much as 2 feet of water as the river enters flood stage.
Read: Hurricane Irma: Lake Harney’s water levels to stay at flood stage for days
Residents have reported seeing snakes. They also said raw sewage has mixed in with the floodwaters, causing a foul smell to permeate the neighborhood off State Road 46.
[ Read: Rising water levels in Seminole County lakes major concern ]
Many who live in the area have been using canoes to get around.
The water can reach waist-deep in some areas, though that hasn’t deterred some drivers.
“The water has been going up progressively every day,” said resident Teresa Tournour, whose daughter owns a farm in the area.
[ Read: 300 evacuated from Kissimmee community hit hard by Irma flooding ]
The family had to release pigs, emus and horses because of flooded pens.
While the animals don’t mind the cool water, it’s been rough for the Tournour family.
“The rain probably brought anther 2 feet up into the yard,” said Tourner.
Read: Seminole County Irma damage includes flooding, possible sinkhole that swallowed van
The rising water has also brought out alligators.
“The gators are coming right underneath the house, right near the steps, and they are having to wade through the water,” she said. “It’s actually very terrifying.”
She said she wants things to go back to normal quickly, but doesn’t have much hope.
“If it’s anything like Faye, it took three months to get it back beyond my house,” she said.
[ Read: Hurricane Irma washes out portion of West Orange Trail ]