ASTOR, Fla. – The St. Johns River in Astor, which reached historic flood levels from Hurricane Ian, flooded once again during Tropical Storm Nicole.

The river level was at 4.24 feet at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). It was at 4.52 feet earlier in the day. Anything above 4 feet is considered major flood stage for that river.

Hurricane Ian led to a historic crest of the river on October 1, when it reached 4.71 feet, according to NWS. That brought the previous record of 4.62 feet from 1933.

The river’s normal level in Astor is below two feet, says Megan Milanese, director of emergency management for Lake County. The river had decreased to moderate flood stage, one level down from major flood stage, when Tropical Storm Nicole hit.

Milanese said emergency management is working with NWS partners to forecast when the flooding could subside. 

“Even before Hurricane Nicole came through, the floodwaters were receding pretty slowly, so I think the expectation is for that to continue,” she explained.

Lynn Moody, who lives about two blocks from the St. Johns River, had floodwaters reach part of his yard and driveway. He’s grateful his home didn’t flood. 

“A lot of people I know, especially between here and the river, they’ve got water in their house,” he said. “They’re actually kind of devastated. Some don’t have flood insurance.”