Flood Watch Extended Through Sunday

As a low pressure system makes its way through the Tampa Bay area, the National Weather Service is warning residents that heavy rains may cause flooding over the next few days.

With that in mind, the service has issued a flood watch for Hillsborough, Pasco, Sarasota, Manatee and Pinellas counties that is anticipated to remain in effect until 8 p.m. Sunday.

“A trough of low pressure will be draped across the area and will bring heavy rainfall with 4 to 6 inch accumulations and locally higher amounts,” the service explained in its advisory. “This may produce areas of flooding of urban areas and possibly river and small stream flooding.”

Flood watches are put into place when flooding is possible within the next 24 to 36 hours.

The service is urging residents in low lying areas to take precautions to protect their property.

Rain chances are set at roughly 100 percent Saturday in much of the Bay area with heavy storms anticipated again Sunday. Rain continues into Monday with a 70 percent chance forecast to kick off the workweek.

Flood warnings have also been issued for Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties where widespread street flooding is likely and has already occurred in many places. The warning remains in effect until late Saturday afternoon.

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Patch file photo