Water-Related News

Irma's gone, rivers still rising

River flooding is the latest consequence of Hurricane Irma blowing through Florida earlier this week.

The National Weather Service in Ruskin said significant river flooding will continue over the next several days as rain from the storm drains into West Central Florida rivers.

On Tuesday evening, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue issued an urgent warning to people living on the Alafia River floodplain.

"If water is approaching your home, we strongly recommend you evacuate immediately. If you are unable to evacuate safely on your own, call 911 for assistance," they said in a statement.

Many are cresting near or at historic levels, and are risking homes, campgrounds and other locations along the rivers, according to the advisory.

As of Tuesday afternoon, warnings had been extended for the following area rivers until further notice:
· Hillsborough River Near Hillsborough River State Park
· Alafia River at Riverview
· Little Manatee River at Wimauma
· Manatee River near Myakka Head
· Anclote River at Elfers

Flood warnings also continue for the following:
· Withlacoochee at Trilby
· Withlacoochee River at Croom
· Withlacoochee at Holder
· Hillsborough River at Morris Bridge
· Cypress Creek at Worthington Gardens
· Alafia River at Lithia
· Myakka River at Myakka River State Park
· Peace River at Bartow
· Peace River at Arcadia
· Horse Creek near Arcadia

To see the most updated advisories from the Weather Service, visit http://www.weather.gov/tbw/ and select the “Rivers and Lakes” tab.