HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — As the Withlacoochee River continues to rise due to Hurricane Milton, residents are urged to evacuate the area.

On Monday, the Hernando County Government said the river is seeing historic flooding near and along the river. With the water rapidly rising, they are insisting that residents “leave now.”

Those living near and along the Withlacoochee River must get to higher ground.

The county has opened a shelter at the Enrichment Center in Brooksville, located at 800 John Gary Grubbs Boulevard. The shelter is pet-friendly.

Residents leaving are advised to navigate around the many roads closed in the area and to not drive through floodwaters. An emergency road was constructed by the county so residents could evacuate the River Heights subdivision.

If you are in danger, call 911. All emergency management information in Hernando County can be found here.