TAMPA, Fla. — Waking up Sunday morning after a powerful Gulf storm impacted Florida like a tropical system, the Tampa Bay area is seeing a significant amount of coastal flooding.
Gusty winds and heavy downpours brought in peak storm surge values around 3 feet tall across Tampa Bay counties, according to the National Weather Service. Lee County reportedly has localized coastal flooding with peaks of around 2 feet.
Significant beach erosion is likely following the rain levels that the region saw over the past 24 hours, but conditions are set to improve into the week, according to the NWS.
Specifically in Tampa, heavy overnight rains brought flooding to a portion of Bayshore Boulevard from Platt Street to Bay to Bay Boulevard and adjoining side streets, the Tampa Police Department explains in a news release.
According to the agency, the Courtney Campbell Causeway at Rocky Point Boulevard also had standing water.
"Police units and Department of Public Works employees are responding to close the flooded roadways now and will be blocking roadways with barricades and police vehicles," police previously wrote in the release. "Please avoid low-lying areas until the flooding subsides."
A Facebook post from the Citrus County Sheriff's Office shows multiple areas of Crystal River flooded because of high tide.
"Strong winds in the area will cause the water to recede slower than usual," the agency wrote. "Please take extra caution as you drive through the area. Just 18-24 inches of moving water can sweep away a car.
"Currently, there are no road closures, but if you plan on driving, please give yourself extra time to get to where you’re going."
The Shores Acres neighborhood in St. Petersburg saw significant flooding as well.
Through 10 a.m., the NWS said there's a wind advisory in effect for speeds of up to 20-30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.
Water has peaked or crested at 5 a.m. and will continue to slowly fall during the day today. As the potent area of low pressure moves away, it will remain windy with clearing skies this afternoon.
