PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — Floodwaters are creating dangerous driving conditions across Port St. Lucie and Okeechobee County, leaving vehicles stranded, roads underwater, and officials urging residents to stay home as more heavy rain threatens the region Monday.

In Port St. Lucie, police said officers are responding to a significant number of calls involving vehicles stranded in floodwaters as widespread flooding impacts neighborhoods and major roadways.

The Port St. Lucie Police Department is urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel while emergency personnel respond to flooding throughout the city.

According to police, the following areas are experiencing flooding:

Southwest Airoso BoulevardSoutheast Thornhill Drive and surrounding side streetsSouthworth Boulevard and Jeanette DriveCountry Club EstatesSouthwest Discovery Way and Community Boulevard in TraditionLTC Parkway

Police warned that floodwaters have created hazardous driving conditions and urged motorists not to underestimate the depth or movement of water covering roads.

“Turn around, don’t drown!” the department reminded residents.

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Officials said drivers whose vehicles become stranded in floodwaters can contact a towing company directly if they are not in immediate danger and do not require an emergency rescue.

Residents with questions about school closures are being advised to contact their schools directly.

Port St. Lucie intersection closed

The flooding has also prompted the closure of the intersection of Southwest California Boulevard and Southwest Savona Boulevard.

Water has also been reported on Traditional Parkway, Community Boulevard, Volucia Drive, and Innovation Way. The roads are still open, but crews and police are assessing the conditions.

City officials said crews are checking drainage systems to ensure water is flowing properly and addressing potholes found or reported throughout the area.

Motorists are being urged to avoid the intersection and use alternate routes.

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The city also warned drivers not to remove barricades or attempt to travel through closed roadways.

Residents who encounter potholes are being advised to avoid the affected area and call 911, according to the city’s announcement.

Flood watch remains in effect across the Treasure Coast

According to the National Weather Service in Melbourne, east-central Florida, including Indian River County, remains under a flood watch until 7 p.m. Monday.

Forecasters expect an additional 1 to 3 inches of rainfall, with some locations facing a 10% chance of receiving 5 inches or more.

In Indian River County, officials are warning residents to prepare for scattered to widespread showers and thunderstorms, with periods of heavy rainfall that could lead to localized flooding of roads and low-lying areas.

According to county officials, the primary weather hazards include:

Heavy rainfall and localized flooding.

Wind gusts of 25 to 40 mph.Occasional lightning.Dangerous beach and marine conditions.

Officials said the potential for heavy rainfall and flooding could continue through Tuesday.

Residents are being urged to secure loose outdoor items, allow extra travel time, slow down on wet roads and keep multiple ways to receive weather alerts.

With the ground already saturated from previous rainfall, additional storms could quickly lead to standing water on roadways and worsening flooding conditions.

Port St. Lucie officials are encouraging residents to monitor the city’s website and the Port St. Lucie Police Department’s social media channels for updates on traffic conditions and potential road closures.

Okeechobee County roads remain underwater

Meanwhile, several major roadways in Okeechobee County remain underwater, with officials warning that flooding could continue for several days, even after the weather improves.

Authorities said warning signs have been placed in affected areas, but motorists should use extreme caution.

According to county officials, the following major roads are experiencing flooding:

State Road 68 East: The roadway is underwater from the 3000 block to the 15000 block.State Road 70 East: Water is covering the roadway in the 11000 block near Posey’s Corner.U.S. Highway 441 North: The roadway is underwater near Potter Road.

Officials stressed that these are only some of the major roads affected by flooding. Numerous local and residential streets throughout Okeechobee County also remain flooded, with some completely submerged and potentially impassable.

Motorists are being warned not to assume roads outside the listed areas are safe.

Floodwaters are expected to continue rising in some areas, while others remain at critical levels.

Floodwaters could damage roadways

County officials also warned that many roads have been saturated or submerged for more than 24 hours, raising concerns about damage to pavement and underlying road structures.

Prolonged exposure to floodwaters can weaken road surfaces, while standing water can conceal washouts, pavement deterioration and other hazards.

Authorities said a road that was passable earlier may no longer be safe to travel.

Drivers who must travel are being urged to significantly reduce their speed and avoid flooded roadways whenever possible.

Officials warned that driving too fast through standing water increases the risk of hydroplaning and losing control of a vehicle.

Vehicles traveling through flooded streets can also create waves that push additional water into nearby homes and properties, worsening flooding for residents.

Officials urge residents to stay home

Emergency officials are strongly discouraging unnecessary travel and asking residents not to drive around neighborhoods simply to survey storm damage or flooding.

Residents are being urged to remain home whenever possible, avoid barricaded roads and allow emergency personnel to continue responding to storm-related hazards.

A unified public safety update was expected following an 8 a.m. meeting to discuss storm impacts and current conditions.

Okeechobee County residents seeking information can contact the county call center at 863-824-6888 or the nonemergency line at 863-763-3117.

Port St. Lucie residents can monitor updates through the City of Port St. Lucie’s website and the Port St. Lucie Police Department.

Officials reminded motorists that just because a roadway was passable earlier does not mean it remains safe.