Pinellas Warns Residents Of Possible Brooker Creek Flooding

EAST LAKE, FL -- Pinellas County Emergency Management is advising Tarpon Woods residents to take precautions in the event Brooker Creek floods into the neighborhood over Thursday and Friday.

Flooding could occur as a result of slow-rising water levels due to recent heavy rains and the possibility of more rain over the next few days and into the weekend.

Pinellas County Public Works staff is monitoring gauges at Brooker Creek. As of 8 a.m. Thursday, the reading was 11.39 feet. Based on past observations, once the gauge exceeds 12.2 feet, Brooker Creek can flood yards and Toniwood Lane, making it impassable for most passenger vehicles.

Other streets are generally passable or can be detoured.

Because of the flooding threat, residents should be prepared to move vehicles to higher ground. If roads become impassible, residents sheltering in their homes should make sure they have enough emergency supplies to last several days and should fully charge cell phone batteries in case power outages occur.

Residents can find information about flood safety by clicking here.

If flooding occurs inside homes, residents should safely disconnect power sources.Residents can obtain information about electrical safety during a flood event at Duke Energy's website.

In addition, residents should be aware of the possibility of potentially harmful and dangerous wildlife that can be carried closer to homes during flooding events. Residents should use extreme caution in grassy areas and areas near flood waters until they recede.

The county will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates. Residents are encouraged to stay connected by signing up for Alert Pinellas and the E-lert newsletter to receive information and emergency alerts via e-mail and text.

Image via Tarpon Woods Golf Course

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