POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Hurricane Milton is wreaking havoc on Polk County, causing widespread flooding, downed power lines, and road blockages. Officials are urging residents to stay off the roads as conditions continue to deteriorate.
“We are experiencing a significant number of hazards throughout the county,” warned Polk County officials. “Due to the severe weather, we are unable to clear most of these obstacles until the storm subsides.”
Flooding Impacts Numerous Roads
Flooding is impacting numerous intersections across the county, including:
- Davenport: Palm Street & Suwanee Avenue North
- Haines City: Ronald Reagan Parkway & Pinetree Trail
- Lakeland: Reynolds Road between Maine Avenue & Polk Parkway, Combee Road & Idlewild Street, Swindell Road & Memorial Boulevard, Chestnut Road North & Chochran Street, Wabash Avenue North & New Tampa Highway, 6000 Block of New Tampa Highway, Ariana Street & Plateau Avenue, Airport Road & New Tampa Highway, Ewell Road & Laurel Oak Road, Shepherd Road & Coronet Road, Highway 92 & Old Dixie Highway, Reynolds Road & Woodland Drive, Nashville Road & Tennessee Road, Highway 542 & John Caroll Road East, Highlands Street
- Winter Haven: 42nd Street NW & Avenue Q NW, 42nd Street NW & Avenue G NW
- Bartow: 3800 block of Highway 98 South, Bartow Road & Highway 98 South, Highway 640 at Peace River Bridge & Highway 17
- Kathleen: Oak Tree Lane & Galloway Road
- Polk City: Berkley Road & I-4 Overpass, Mt Olive Road & Berkley Road
- Auburndale: Kville Avenue & Sun Acres Boulevard
Downed Power Lines and Road Blockages
Downed power lines are also creating hazardous conditions in several areas, including Frostproof, Lakeland, Mulberry, Haines City, and Highlands City.
Trees and debris are blocking roads in Lakeland and Kathleen, further complicating travel.
Stay Off the Roads
Officials are pleading with residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
“Driving conditions are extremely dangerous and will continue to worsen as the storm intensifies,” they stressed. “Please do not attempt to drive through flooded areas or around downed power lines.”
Utility companies have been notified of the downed power lines, but they will be unable to respond until after the storm passes.
Polk County residents are urged to stay safe, remain indoors, and monitor updates from local officials as Hurricane Milton continues to impact the region.
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