Red Cross opens emergency shelter in Cocoa as flooding displaces Palm Bay residents

Torrential rain has caused widespread flooding across Central Florida, forcing school closures, prompting emergency rescues and displacing residents from their homes.Southern Brevard County has received between 16 and 22 inches of rain since midnight, flooding communities from Melbourne south to Grant-Valkaria. Roads have been submerged, vehicles stranded and emergency crews stretched thin as they work to reach residents trapped by rising water.Red Cross opens emergency shelter in CocoaThe American Red Cross has opened an emergency shelter in Cocoa to assist residents displaced by flooding in Palm Bay, Cocoa and surrounding communities.The shelter provides cots, blankets, meals and personal care items at no cost. Brevard County Emergency Management and local officials are coordinating transportation to help residents reach the shelter.Residents who need a place to stay can contact the Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS.Janice Moran, executive director of the American Red Cross Central Florid