Tallahassee, Florida — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for seven counties after days of heavy rain brought severe flooding to central and eastern Florida.

What is happening: The declaration, signed Monday, November 2 as Executive Order 26-227, covers Brevard, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Indian River, Martin, and St. Lucie counties. It lets state agencies rush resources, equipment, and personnel to the hardest-hit communities and speeds up response and recovery work.

Local impacts: A slow-moving low-pressure system parked over the Florida peninsula from October 31 through November 2 dropped extraordinary rainfall across the region. Brevard County took the worst of it, with some areas recording 15 to 20 inches of rain, and the National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Emergency — its most serious flood alert — for Palm Bay, West Melbourne, and Grant-Valkaria. Roads disappeared under floodwater, schools closed across several counties, and shelters opened in Indian River County. The Peace River near Arcadia is forecast to crest later in the week, keeping the danger going even after the heaviest rain moves out.

What to do:

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

- Get to higher ground right away if water is rising around you.

- Stay out of floodwater, which can hide debris, downed power lines, and strong currents.

- Follow directions from local emergency officials and check on neighbors who may need help.

Source: Yahoo, November 2, 2026. Reported by TNW News.