Heavy rains started just in time for the afternoon drive in many central Florida areas on Tuesday and flooding forced some residents from their homes.
Storms passed over the same area, one after another, according to Severe Weather Center 9 meteorologist George Waldenberger.
More than 5 inches of rainfall totals was reported near Edgewater in Volusia County and Lake Jesup Woods in Seminole County, with over 4 inches in Longwood.
Flood warnings were issued for the Orlando metro, extending into Seminole and southern Volusia counties, where numerous reports of streets were under as much as a foot of water.
"We're just flooded over here. We can't get out, can't get in," said New Smyrna Beach resident Anne Rowe.
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Ten houses in New Smyrna Beach were evacuated because of high water. Officials opened a shelter for those forced from their homes. The shelter was closed a short time later after no one took advantage of the offer.
"About a half a block from my house there's about three or four houses about one or two feet under water.
Some of the kids are playing. It's about hip high," said resident Tim Warren.
Channel 9's Renee Stoll found mailboxes nearly covered with water and fish flopping on one street.
Ryan Stout was making his way down the street in a kayak.
"Hey, it's not very often you get kayak down the middle of your street," said Stout.
Some residents who have lived in the area for years said they have never seen the streets flood like they did Tuesday.
"It used to never be like this. I think it's because they paved our street and the water just doesn't drain right," said Rowe.
"Considering people's houses are under water you would think a tropical storm Category 1 came through," said resident Warren.
New Smyrna Beach officials said they have sand bags residents can pick at the Public Works building at 124 Industrial Park Ave. if they need them.
Parts of Melbourne were hit with flooding. Some homeowners said they had minor flooding in their garages and homes.
Residents said it rained for about two hours, but the water just wouldn't drain. One homeowner said she was shocked to see the high water levels.
"When you pull up and the water level's up to the numbers on your mailbox, it's a little concerning," said resident Jantina Getz.
Some homeowners said they haven't seen flooding like that of Tuesday evening since Tropical Storm Faye hit the area in 2008.
Earlier in the day police closed Babcock Street, which was under about a foot of water.
Scattered rain will continue into the evening, gradually tapering later in the night.
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