Flood Watch in effect for southwest Florida until 11 PM... Through 2 PM...scattered showers and occasional thunderstorms are moving northeast at 20 mph through parts of western Florida. The strongest storms are located near Port Charlotte and Boca Grande. These showers will affect portions of interstates 75...275...and 4. The stronger storms are capable of rainfall rates of up to three quarters of an inch per hour.
The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay area - Ruskin FL has issued a
* Flood Watch for portions of southwest Florida and west central Florida... including the following areas... in southwest Florida... Charlotte and Lee. In west central Florida... De Soto... Hardee... Highlands... Hillsborough... Manatee... Pinellas... Polk and Sarasota.
* Through this evening
* rainfall totals yesterday across portions of Hillsborough and Polk County ranged from 1 to 3 inches. Additional heavy and persistent rainfall today can be expected across much of the area especially from I 4 southward. Rainfall totals are expected to range from 1 to 3 inches with localized areas receiving up to 5 inches of rainfall. Flooding of streets and urban areas will be possible along with rises in creeks... streams and area rivers.
Precautionary/preparedness actions...
A Flood Watch means that flooding is possible during the next 24 to 36 hours. Residents living in flood prone areas should take action to protect property.