Photo: AFP
Officials say drivers in Lee County are hindering rescue efforts, so they are asking people to stay off the roads as search and rescue teams continue to work throughout the county.
According to reports, officials are attempting to get people off Fort Myers Beach. Stranded residents are asked to walk to Publix and 7-11 on Estero Island, where crews will assist with evacuations.
Since the Sanibel Causeway was heavily damaged, the island is completely cut off from ground vehicles. Rescues are being conducted by boat and air.
Three bridges in Matlacha, New Pass, Big Carlos Pass Bridge, and Big Hickory Pass Bridge, are closed.
Officials haven't released a death toll from the island. However, Lee County Manager Roger Desjarlais is worried the loss could be extensive.
"Not as many people evacuated from those islands as we had hoped for," Desjarlais said.
Source: fox4now.com