Flooding displaces Palm Bay residents; Red Cross opens shelter in Cocoa

Heavy rainfall has led to widespread flooding across Central Florida, including Palm Bay and surrounding areas, according to FOX 35 Orlando. Southern Brevard County has received between 16 and 22 inches of rain since midnight, causing submerged roads and stranded vehicles.

The Palm Bay Police Department has advised residents to shelter in place to allow floodwaters to recede and enable first responders to rescue those trapped in the floods, FOX 35 Orlando reported. Emergency crews are using boats and high-water rescue vehicles to evacuate residents.

The American Red Cross has opened an emergency shelter in Cocoa to assist displaced residents from Palm Bay, Cocoa, and nearby communities. The shelter offers cots, blankets, meals, and personal care items at no cost, with transportation coordinated by Brevard County Emergency Management and local officials.

Officials have warned residents not to drive or walk through flooded roads and to call 911 for emergency assistance rather than going to fire stations. Additional rain is expected through Tuesday morning, which could worsen flooding conditions, FOX 35 Orlando noted.