Choctawhatchee River expected to crest at more than 18 feet in Bruce

UPDATED Dec. 19:
Road Closures: River Road, Dead River Road, Berrian Lake Road at Landing Road, Choctawhatchee River Road, Cowford Road, Cedar Log Lake Road, Senterfitt Rd., Senterfitt Rd.
Park closures: Tilley Landing, Morrison Springs.

Walton County Emergency Operation’s Director, Captain Mike Barker, and his staff are in close contact with the National Weather Service concerning the latest projections for the Choctawhatchee river over coming several days.  The ground is saturated, and any additional precipitation results in runoff draining into already swollen creeks, rivers and other tributaries.

The Choctawhatchee River at Caryville has crested at 17 feet. That’s more than six-feet above flood stage. On Saturday, the river level is expected to rise to 19 feet in the Bruce Community, Click here for NOAA predictions.  That’s also more than six-feet above flood stage.  If additional rain falls in Southeast, Alabama over coming days, the river levels can go even higher.

Captain Barker is asking “folks who live in low-lying areas, and traditional flood zones to keep a close eye on the rising water.  They should also keep up with their local media outlets concerning updates on river projections”.  At this time, Captain Barker says several sections of River Road in the Red Bay Community are nearly impassable.

Charlie Presley is tying down loose items like garbage cans outside his River Road home.  He hopes the dirt roadway will not be completely submerged by high water over coming days.

Walton County residents affected by the Shoal River in the Mossy Head area are also advised to stay updated with the latest river projections.  That area sustained property damage due to High Water in late March and early April.