Hillsborough deputies work to rescue people from flooding along Alafia River [Video]

LITHIA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is working to rescue people from flooding along the Alafia River.

Deputies said there is more than 6 feet of water in some areas along the river.

Pasco County residents urged to leave now due to rising water in rivers, lakes

“The flooding is much more exasperated than we ever felt,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a video posted to social media.

Drivers were also asked to use caution along Lithia Pinecrest Road due to flooding.

“This area, everyone says ‘yes, they were used to flooding. They’re used to flooding.’ They were used to a little bit of flooding, and they’re used to it not coming as fast as it has,” Chronister said. “They went to be late last night with a little bit of water, woke up this morning with a lot of water. As you can imaging, the fear.”

Deputies have already rescued a 91-year-old woman and a family of eight from flooding along the Alafia River.

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