Flood warning issued for Myakka River

After weeks of rain, a flood warning has been issued in Sarasota County for the Myakka River.

The National Weather Service issued a flood warning on Wednesday night for the Myakka River at Myakka River State Park. The warning is in effect through Thursday afternoon.

Recent rainfall has allowed area rivers to rise to at or near flood stage, according to the NWS. The Myakka River is expected to remain near flood stage for the next few days.

At 9 p.m. Wednesday, the NWS measured the stage at 6.9 feet, but the river is expected to rise above flood stage.

At 7 feet, the floods would impact trails, picnic areas and parking lots at Myakka State Park. The main road at the park will be impacted if the water rises to 8 feet, according to the NWS.

This crest compares to a previous crest of 7 feet in January 1998, according to the NWS.

Do not drive cars through flooded areas.

This story was originally published June 21, 2017 at 11:01 PM with the headline "Flood warning issued for Myakka River."