DeSoto, Hardee and Highlands Counties, Florida —

WHAT IS HAPPENING:

The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay Ruskin has issued a Flash Flood Warning for Hardee County in central Florida, DeSoto County in south central Florida, and Highlands County in south central Florida. The warning runs through 3:45 PM Eastern Time today, Monday, November 2 (2:45 PM Central Time). At 1:44 PM Eastern, radar showed thunderstorms dropping heavy rain across the warned area. Between 5 and 12 inches of rain have already fallen, and another 1 to 3 inches are possible. Flash flooding is ongoing.

LOCAL IMPACTS:

Flash flooding from these storms can swamp small creeks and streams, flood urban streets and highways, and cut off low-lying roads. Water may rise fast in places already saturated from earlier rounds of rain.

WHAT TO DO:

- Never drive through flooded roads. Turn around, don't drown — most flood deaths happen in vehicles.

- Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid walking or driving into standing water.

- Move to higher ground right away if you see water rising around you.

- Report observed flooding to local emergency services or law enforcement when you can do so safely.

Source: National Weather Service, Tampa Bay Ruskin, November 2, 2026.