Tampa, Fla. – Residents of Tampa Bay and Florida’s Nature Coast should prepare for heavy rain and thunderstorms beginning Saturday morning, with impacts expected to linger through Sunday night. The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay warns of potential urban and low-lying flooding as rainfall totals may reach 2 to 3 inches, with isolated higher amounts.
Areas at Greatest Risk
The highest flooding threat stretches from Citrus and Hernando counties south into the Tampa Bay area. Repeated downpours could overwhelm storm drains, creating standing water on roads and dangerous driving conditions.
Emergency officials advise residents to avoid flooded intersections, as water depth may be deceptively deep, and to delay non-essential travel during the heaviest rainfall periods.
Timing and Preparedness
Localized flooding is most likely during Saturday morning and afternoon, but heavy rain may continue intermittently through Sunday night. Residents are urged to:
- Keep mobile devices charged for alerts.
- Stay alert for flood advisories.
- Exercise caution on low-lying streets.
Stay informed and safe this weekend — share your tips for navigating Tampa Bay streets during heavy rain in the comments below.
