The Withlacoochee River is cresting at 19.5 feet Thursday, a full 7 feet above flood stage, causing major issues in parts of Pasco and Hernando counties.

Flooding is particularly bad on the Withlacoochee, which flows north through Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. Mark Fulkerson is an engineer with the Southwest Florida Water Management District. He says some areas downriver are bracing for high water that might not come for a few weeks.

BROOKSVILLE, Fla. (WFLA) — Water levels in the Withlacoochee River continue to rise in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. According to the South Florida Water Management District, Hurricane Milton brought double-digit rainfall at the end of the wet season — a time when lakes, streams, wetlands, ponds, and aquifer levels were already full.

The water levels from the Withlacoochee River continue to rise in Hernando County, which is putting residents and their homes in jeopardy. Rescue crews have been working around the clock to evacuate people.

Flooding from Hurricane Milton is ongoing, and on Oct. 16, an evacuation order remained in effect for communities along the Withlacoochee River. The river is expected to soon reach its peak level.