National Weather Service Issues Flood Watch for West-Central Florida
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for portions of west-central Florida, in effect from 5:00 AM EDT on October 8 until 12:00 AM EDT on October 9. Widespread showers and scattered thunderstorms are expected to bring heavy rainfall that could cause localized flooding.
The Flood Watch, issued at 1:34 AM EDT by the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay Ruskin, covers Sumter, Pinellas, Coastal Citrus, Coastal Hernando, Coastal Pasco, Coastal Hillsborough, Coastal Manatee, Inland Citrus, Inland Hernando, Inland Pasco, Inland Hillsborough, and Inland Manatee counties.
Meteorologists report that a frontal boundary positioned across the central Florida peninsula will slowly lift northward today. With deep tropical moisture persisting over the region, numerous to widespread showers and scattered thunderstorms are forecast throughout the day, with rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches and localized amounts of over 5 inches possible.
Excessive runoff from the heavy rains may result in the flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying or flood-prone locations. Flooding is also possible in urban areas and zones with poor drainage.