Tampa Bay Escapes Major Damage From Tropical Storm Elsa: Photos

TAMPA BAY, FL — Emergency officials are warning residents to take care as they resume their usual activities Wednesday.

Tropical Storm Elsa's center passed over Pinellas just off the coast of Clearwater around 4 a.m.

While Tampa Bay escaped major impacts from Tropical Storm Elsa, there are flooded streets and downed trees as a result of the 45 mph winds and 2 to 4 inches of rain that fell as the storm moved through overnight.

In Tampa, officials have closed a portion of Bayshore Boulevard between South Rome Avenue and West Swann Avenue due to high tide and high winds.

In Tarpon Springs, the city has now reopened all roads after closing them this morning due to flooding.

Most of the flood waters receded following high tide at 11 a.m., allowing traffic to move freely.

In Clearwater, Cleveland Street at Meteor Avenue was shut down in both directions after a large part of a tree fell.

A huge branch came down onto a Clearwater condo as well but no one was at home at the time.

Pinellas County deputies monitored conditions throughout the night, including restricting access to the barrier islands.

No rescues were needed overnight due to high water or flooding. Pinellas County sheriff's deputies began allowing access to the barrier islands and Pinellas County beaches at 6:30 a.m.

Deputies are now doing assessments throughout the county but there are no road closures in Pinellas County.

Pasco County reported localized flooding in flood-prone areas of the county but coastal homes and businesses escaped any major damage from storm surge.

Robert K. Rees Memorial Park and the Splash Pad at Veterans Memorial Park are closed until further notice due to localized flooding.

In Brandon, a driver who ventured out around 4:30 a.m. on Bell Shoals Road near Brooker Road ended up with a tree on the car roof. The driver was uninjured.

Otherwise, Tropical Storm Elsa appears to have had little impact on Hillsborough County overnight, and most county operations have resumed as normal.

Damage assessment teams are still in the field, but most of the damage appears limited to a few downed trees and traffic signs, and minor street flooding. However, motorists should drive with caution as additional rain and wind gusts may continue throughout the day.

Tampa Bay received about 8 to 10 inches of rainfall in the past four days, causing canals and rivers to overflow their banks. With more rain forecast Wednesday, Tampa Bay residents should be prepared for some additional flooding problems.

The National Weather Service's Ruskin office said the Alafia River at both Lithia-Pinecrest Road and U.S. 301 is experiencing moderate flooding. On Tuesday, the river was 7.1 feet above normal and it's expected to continue rising to a crest of 16.2 feet early Thursday. The last time the river crested this high was in 1933 when it reached 16.3 feet.

As a result, the National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Alafia River at Lithia-Pinecrest Road until further notice.

Hillsborough County is also monitoring the Little Manatee River for flooding issues.

Officials remind residents to not drive through moving or standing water, watch out for downed power lines and treat out-of-order traffic signals as four-way stops.

• Tampa residents can report fallen trees and debris by calling 813-274-5744 or 813-274-3101 (after hours).
• Hillsborough County residents can report downed trees here. Report street flooding here. Or they can call 813-635-5400 to report flooding and road problems.
• Pinellas County residents, including Pinellas Park, Belleair, Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach residents, should click here for problems with utilities or Elsa-related debris.
• Pinellas residents can document damages to their home or public areas by clicking here.
• To report storm-related issues in Clearwater, click here.
• In Pasco County, click here to report downed trees. Click here to notify the county about flooded roads. If you need to dispose of storm-related yard debris, work with your private trash hauler who can pick up a few, small bundles of debris weighing less than 50 pounds on your regular collection days.
• Pasco County Solid Waste is also accepting separated loads of yard debris at no charge through Wednesday, July 21, at the West Pasco Resource Recovery facility, 14606 Hays Road in Spring Hill, Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fees will be charged for items other than storm debris.
• To report streetlight outages, flooded roads or downed trees in New Port Richey, click here.