Heavy Rain, Flooding Cause Concern Across Tampa Bay Area

SARASOTA, FL — As heavy rains continue across much of the Tampa Bay area, the National Weather Service has issued flood watches for several counties while warning others across the region to batten down the hatches just in case.

An area of low pressure that has been slowly moving across the state has created flooding in Sarasota and Manatee counties with heavy rain also experienced throughout the region. Manatee and Sarasota counties both remain under flood watches until 8 p.m. Sunday as forecasters anticipate rainfall “accumulations of 3 to 6 inches” could be possible with higher amounts feasible in some areas. A flood watch means there is a potential for flooding.

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While flood watches have not gone up in Pasco, Hillsborough, Polk or Pinellas counties, forecasters say 2 to 4 inches of rain could fall across the region on Sunday. More showers and storms are expected on Monday and Tuesday.

In Manatee County, officials planned to open sandbag locations at 11 a.m. Aug. 27. The locations are as follows:

• Buffalo Creek Park, 7550 69th St. E., Palmetto
• G.T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W., Bradenton
• Lakewood Ranch Park, 5350 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton
• Stormwater Ops, 551 39th St. E., Bradenton
• Rubonia Community Center, 1309 72nd St. E., Palmetto

Manatee County officials say some areas of the county have seen more than 8 inches of rain fall in the past day. Officials are urging residents to exercise caution on local roads.

"The most important things to remember today are to avoid standing water at all costs; never drive or walk through flooded streets," Emergency Management Chief Sherilyn Burris said in a statement. "Stay away from downed power lines. Stay tuned to local news reports and be ready to act quickly if strong wind or heavy rains threaten your home."

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office also reported Sunday morning that a possible tornado passed through the Samoset area on Saturday. No injuries were reported, but some trees and structural damage were reported.

In nearby Sarasota, the police department was warning of heavy flooding along the John Ringling Causeway. “Some side roads have as much as 2 feet of standing water,” the agency reported on Facebook Sunday morning. South Lido Park has been closed due to flooding.

Forecasters say there’s an 80 percent chance of heavy rain across the Tampa Bay area throughout the daytime hours Sunday. The high is expected to climb only into the mid-80s, as a result. A 60 percent chance of showers has been forecast for Monday with storms expected to linger into the evening hours. The storms are expected to keep the day’s high in the mid-80s range.

Forecasters are also warning of a high potential for rip currents along Tampa Bay area coastlines. Swimmers are advised to heed lifeguard warnings.

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

Photo courtesy of the Sarasota Police Department