The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay Ruskin has issued a Flash Flood Emergency for St. Petersburg, Tampa, Riverview, and Palmetto, effective until 2:30 a.m. EDT. This emergency follows intense thunderstorms that have brought between 10 to 14 inches of rain, resulting in life-threatening flash flooding across parts of central Hillsborough, northern Manatee, and southeastern Pinellas counties.
The Details:
• Time Issued: 9:26 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.
• Area Affected: Central Hillsborough County, Northern Manatee County, and Southeastern Pinellas County.
• Duration: Until 2:30 a.m. EDT.
Current Situation: Doppler radar shows severe thunderstorms continuing to bring heavy rain to the area. Many locations have already experienced significant flooding, and additional rainfall will likely worsen conditions. The affected areas include highly populated urban centers such as Tampa, Clearwater, and Bradenton.
Locations at Risk: This situation poses an immediate threat to areas including;
• Downtown Tampa and St. Petersburg
• Clearwater, Largo, and Pinellas Park
• Palmetto, Brandon, Temple Terrace, and the surrounding neighborhoods
• Notable sites such as Tampa International Airport, Fort DeSoto Park, and MacDill Air Force Base
Precautionary Measures: Residents in these areas are urged to move to higher ground immediately and avoid travel unless evacuating from a flooded area. This flash flood warning is classified as a “particularly dangerous situation,” indicating a heightened risk of flash flooding along streets, creeks, and highways. Residents should stay away from rivers, culverts, and other flood-prone areas, especially as nightfall makes it difficult to recognize flooding dangers.
What’s Next: The National Weather Service will monitor the storm closely and provide updates as conditions develop. This is a catastrophic weather event, and affected communities should stay alert to official advisories. For those in emergency situations, heed evacuation orders and avoid areas subject to rising water.
