Flood Watch Extended After Record Rains Fall

With rain chances already strong and record rainfall logged over the past few days, the National Weather Service has extended the flood watch for much of the Tampa Bay area yet again.

As of Sunday morning, a watch remained in effect for Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties through 4 p.m. Monday. Forecasters anticipate a 50 to 60 percent chance of rain in the region Sunday with similar chances moving into Monday. Rain chances begin to drop on Tuesday with a 40 percent chance of scattered showers predicted.

The entire Tampa Bay area has been pummeled by rain for days with record rainfall logged at Tampa International Airport. The month of July saw 11.7 inches of rain fall at the airport, more than 4 inches above average. On Saturday, heavy rain flooded streets throughout the region and even prompted the closing of the Gandy Bridge to traffic. Reports of stranded motorists came in throughout Hillsborough County with South Tampa roads proving especially difficult to navigate. Sunday morning rains added more salt to the wounds and forced the closing of the Gandy Bridge yet again.

Emergency workers throughout the region are urging motorists to avoid driving through standing water on roadways. They’ve also issued a warning to avoid such intersections as Platt Street and Tampania, Moody Avenue and Swann Avenue and Dale Mabry Highway and San Miguel, among others.

Motorists are asked to report new areas of flooding to their nearest law enforcement agency.

A rip current warning has also been issued for coastal beaches from Pinellas County southward to Lee County.

For a look at the extended forecast in your area, visit your local Patch’s homepage.

Patch file photo