Cristobal Expected To Restrengthen Into Tropical Storm

TAMPA BAY, FL — The National Weather Service Tampa Bay has issued a storm surge watch for coastal Citrus, Hernando and Levy counties as a result of Tropical Depression Cristobal.

Cristobal is about 690 miles southwest of the mouth of Tampa Bay, moving north at about 35 mph. It is expected to move out into the Southern Gulf waters later Friday.

Cristobal is expected to restrengthen into a tropical storm as it moves northward toward the Central Gulf states. The large wind field associated with Cristobal will lead to a risk for coastal flooding along the eastern Gulf Coast. As a result, a storm surge watch is in effect from Aripeka northward. Inland flooding, rip currents and dangerous seas are possible through the weekend.

Residents from Louisiana through the Panhandle should prepare for life-threatening surge including:

• Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by waves. Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast.
• Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become weakened or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low spots.
• Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes. Strong and numerous rip currents.
• Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks and piers.
• Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected anchorages.

Also, prepare for locally hazardous surge with limited impacts across the remainder of West Central and Southwest Florida.

The NWS said residents in West Central and Southwest Florida should also prepare for locally hazardous rainfall causing flooding, which may prompt a few evacuations.

• Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents.
• Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become swollen and overflow in spots.
• Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots and poor drainage areas.
• Several storm drains and retention ponds become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge closures.

There is also a high risk of rip currents along with rough surf through the weekend across area beaches.