ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — St. Lucie County officials said Tuesday that emergency crews had handled 120 high-water rescues and water-related calls as they responded to widespread flooding after historic rainfall.

The St. Lucie County Fire District received 518 calls for service during a 36-hour period, Interim Fire Chief Paul Langel said at a county briefing. The county’s public safety director, Ron Guerrero, said officials estimated rainfall totals of 12 to 16 inches, with higher amounts in some areas.

Officials said the flooding affected areas across the county, including Creekside, the 10 Mile Creek area, Tradition, neighborhoods near Airoso Boulevard and Thornhill Drive, and areas around California and Peacock boulevards and Virginia Avenue.

Guerrero said the county’s Emergency Operations Center remained at a partial Level 2 activation. Officials were continuing high-water rescues, assessing roads and infrastructure, and working with public works crews to clear drainage and roadways. Some high-water operations were limited after dark because of safety concerns, he said.

“Please use caution and avoid unnecessary travel,” Interim County Administrator Mayté Santamaria said. “It may take several days for the water to recede.”

Shelters open; schools closed Wednesday

The county opened a general population shelter at Northport K-8 School, 250 N.W. Floresta Drive in Port St. Lucie, and a special medical needs shelter at the Havert L. Fenn Center, 2000 Virginia Ave. in Fort Pierce. About 14 or 15 people were staying in the shelters at the time of the briefing, Guerrero said.

See also: Port St. Lucie removes flood-damaged vehicles from roadways

County offices and libraries were expected to reopen Wednesday, Nov. 4, and the county landfill was scheduled to resume normal operations. The school district planned to keep schools closed Wednesday and hoped to reopen Thursday, depending on road conditions.

St. Lucie County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jon R. Prince apologized to families for the disruption caused when flooding affected school transportation Monday. He said district officials had been working with local agencies to get students and employees home safely. He said the district had not seen significant water intrusion in its schools but would assess whether roads were passable before reopening.

Port St. Lucie officials said road closures and conditions could change quickly. Residents can check the city’s road closure map and report residential flooding through 1PSL. The city said vehicles obstructing roads or emergency response could be moved to a private tow yard or the MIDFLORIDA Event Center. Residents who believe their vehicle was relocated can call 1PSL at 772-871-1775 or the Port St. Lucie Police Department’s non-emergency line at 772-871-5000.

The city also warned residents to expect a one-day delay in solid waste collection, with collection days shifting to the next service day, including Saturday.

Officials urge residents to avoid floodwater

Sheriff Richard Del Toro said deputies would increase patrols, particularly in hard-hit areas and neighborhoods that had been evacuated. He warned against taking advantage of residents affected by flooding and said the Sheriff’s Office would take those cases seriously.

See also: LIST: Flooded St. Lucie, Indian River roads remain hazardous as crews check homes

Officials urged residents to call 911 for life-threatening emergencies or immediate rescue needs. Guerrero said emergency dispatchers had received nearly 4,000 calls Monday and more than 1,800 Tuesday. Officials said call takers were screening requests so emergency vehicles could remain available for urgent situations.

Clint Sperber, the Florida Department of Health’s administrator and health officer for St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties, warned that floodwater can contain bacteria, viruses and other contaminants. He advised residents to avoid contact with standing water, especially if they have cuts or open wounds, and to wash with soap and water if exposed. Residents should not eat or use food or household items that came into contact with floodwater. Anyone unsure whether tap water is safe should use bottled water or boil or disinfect it.

Sperber said health officials planned to assess mobile home parks for flood-related health and safety concerns. Residents with questions about environmental health conditions at mobile home parks can call 772-873-4931. Private wells affected by flooding should be tested for bacteria before use resumes.