Flood Watch Extended Through Tuesday

With additional rain possible Monday night and an 80 percent chance of storms Tuesday, the National Weather Service has extended the flood watch for the Tampa Bay area yet again.

The watch will now remain in effect until 8 p.m. Tuesday. Pasco, Sarasota, Manatee, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties are all included in the watch.

A flood watch means flooding is possible during the next 24 to 36 hours.

Rains have pummeled the Tampa Bay area over the past several days causing widespread street flooding in many areas. Authorities in Pasco County have issued an evacuation order for a portion of Elfers due to the Anclote River reaching its major flood stage.

Residents throughout the Bay are being warned to take precautions on local roads and to clear their drainage systems of debris, if possible.

The forecast calls for strong chances of storms through Friday in many parts of the Bay.

For a complete look at the forecast in your neighborhood, visit your Patch’s homepage.

Photo courtesy of Pasco County