UPDATE — Monday, November 2, 9:45 AM CT: The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay Ruskin has issued a new Flash Flood Warning for Hardee County, northern DeSoto County and southwestern Highlands County, in effect until 1:45 PM EST (12:45 PM CT). Emergency management reports thunderstorms have already dropped between 7 and 11 inches of rain across the area, and flash flooding continues.

UPDATE — Monday, November 2, 9:28 AM ET: The National Weather Service has extended this warning until 11:00 AM ET. Between 5 and 9 inches of rain have fallen, with 2 to 3 more inches possible, and water has been reported entering structures. Flash flooding is already occurring.

Sebring, Florida — A flash flood warning is in effect through 9:30 AM EST Monday for parts of central and south central Florida, where thunderstorms have already dropped several inches of rain and more is on the way. What is happening: The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay Ruskin issued the warning at 8:01 AM EST for eastern Hardee County, northern DeSoto County, and northwestern Highlands County. Doppler radar shows thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area, and flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. The warning runs through 9:30 AM EST. Local impacts: Between 5 and 8 inches of rain have already fallen, with another 2 to 3 inches possible. Forecasters expect flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses, along with other poor-drainage and low-lying areas. Places in the warned area include Sebring, Avon Park, Arcadia, Wauchula, Zolfo Springs, and Sebring Regional Airport. What to do: If you see water rising around you, get to higher ground immediately. Never drive on flooded roads. Turn around, don't drown — most flood deaths happen in vehicles. Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid creeks, streams, and underpasses. Keep clear of low-lying areas until the water recedes and the warning ends. Source: National Weather Service in Tampa Bay Ruskin, November 2, 2026.