DELAND -- The National Weather Service says that the St. Johns River is starting to recede in the area of Lake Harney, but the river is continuing to rise in cities like Astor, which it right at the Lake-Seminole county line.
The weather service expects the St. Johns River to crest at 8.1 feet in Sanford, and at 5.6 feet in DeLand by Thursday. That is still six inches below its record heights in both locations.
There is a flood warning in effect until further notice for the entire St. Johns River area above Lake Harney.
Volusia Prays For Reprieve
As Hanna heads for Florida, western Volusia County is hoping and praying for a reprieve.
There is still widespread flooding in DeBary, Stone Island and along the Hontoon peninsula in DeLand.
DeBary is pumping 50 million gallons of water a day, but some 600 million gallons fell on the city during Tropical Storm Fay.
If weather predictions come to fruition, Hanna could bring another 4 to 5 inches of rain to the waterlogged city.
One Lane Opens On S.R. 46
Meanwhile, one lane of State Road 46 is now open in Brevard and Seminole counties, but drivers should still expect delays.
The Florida Highway Patrol is alternating eastbound and westbound traffic in the area of Lake Harney. Commercial traffic is being blocked from the area.
The road is still partially under water because the nearby St. Johns River is still above flood stage.
The Florida Department of Transportation said the road will not completely reopen until the water completely recedes.
Sanford Hands Out Sandbags
Areas hit hard by Tropical Storm Fay are now doing all they can to protect themselves from even more flooding if Hanna hits.
In Sanford, access to the city's popular Riverwalk is closed to traffic because of flooding.
The head of Sanford's Public Works Department said people should try to prevent damage by lining their homes with sandbags.
Residents News 13 spoke with were taking advantage of the free sand and sandbags. They said they just weren't prepared for Fay.
"The water rose about 4 feet in my place, maybe higher, and I experienced water in my bedroom, living room, so I'm trying to protect that right now," said Louis Guess.
"(The water) was up to our back fence. We had about 8 or 12 inches left to go and it would have been in our house,as well. Trying to be prepared this time," Chad Blatchley said.
Sanford city leaders also fear strong winds from Hanna could push even more water onto roads that are already flooded.
Red Cross, American Red Cross Gear Up For More Trouble
The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army are also prepping for what could be a few long weeks, as more storms brew in the tropics.
At the American Red Cross headquarters in Orlando, they are putting their volunteers on alert and checking on possible shelter locations.
The Salvation Army said its mobile kitchen is stocked and ready to go, but that donations have been low since Tropical Storm Fay.
"Our funds are low. We haven't had a big storm. Usually when we have a big storm come through, we have an influx of money, and unfortunantely we haven't had that, so we're relying on whatever we can get to make ends meet," said Steven Gilmore, of community relations with the Salvation Army.
Both the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army said they were not sending local volunteers to areas affected by Hurricane Gustav due to the possibility of Hanna.
FEMA's Flood Smart Web Site
Being flood smart is one way to prepare for any additional water Hanna may push into Central Florida.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is helping make sure you are prepared with its flood Web site.
The site mentions you can minimize loss to your home and ensure safety by clearing debris from gutters and downspouts. If major flooding is predicted, FEMA suggests you move furniture and valuables to upper levels of your home. The agency also suggests making sure you plan and practice your evacuation route.
The site also has a calculator to give you a general estimate of how much each inch of flood water in your home will cost.
Comment on this story.