Flood Warnings Continue for Manatee Area

Bradenton motorists are being asked to use caution behind the wheel as several local river flood warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service.

The service has issued a flood warning for the Manatee River at the Myakka Head and at Rye Bridge. And, while both areas are already rather soggy, more rain is anticipated to fall Monday and through the week.

“Heavy rainfall amounts over the past several days have driven several area rivers into minor or moderate flood stage with some rivers forecast to reach flood (level) in the next day or so,” the warning notice states. “Any additional heavy rain will only add to the flood duration and intensity.”

Flood warnings mean that flooding is very likely or already in progress.

The National Weather Service says the flood stage for the Manatee River at Rye Bridge is 11 feet. As of 4 a.m. Monday, the river had reached 13.9 feet.

The warnings are anticipated to remain in place for several days as rain chances remain high throughout the week.

Other rivers affected by the warnings include the Alafia River at Lithia, the Little Manatee River at Wimauma, the Myakka River at Myakka River State Park, the Peace River at Arcadia and Horse Creek near Arcadia.For a complete look at local weather, visit the National Weather Service online.

Photo Credit: Patch File Photo