TAMPA, Fla. — Counties across the Tampa Bay region are dealing with damage and flooded roadways from Hurricane Debby's torrential rainfall, high winds and storm surge.
Earlier Monday morning, Debby made landfall as a Category 1 storm in the Big Bend area of the state. The area's coastal communities have seen major waves and water rising above sea walls at times, especially around high tide.
Roadways and parking lots are also experiencing flooding, making it dangerous for drivers to travel.
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Citrus County
Water went over the sea wall in Kings Bay in downtown Crystal River. This is the same region that got hit by Hurricane Idalia in 2023. 10 Tampa Bay reporter Jennifer Titus said residents are worried that storm surge from Hurricane Debby will flood their homes and businesses.
A news release from the county's sheriff's office said there is localized flooding and high tide at 6 p.m. will threaten the area with more storm surge.
The Citrus County Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook post that they are on the scene of multiple flooded areas throughout the county. "Most of these areas are completely impassable," deputies said. Law enforcement advised drivers that just 12 inches of moving water can move a vehicle.
Citrus County: Photos of damage, flooding from Hurricane Debby
Hernando County
Shoal Line Boulevard in the area of Eagle's Nest Road is flooded. Pictures show cars struggling to drive through the water.
Roads are also closed because of the standing water.
Hernando County: Photos of damage, flooding from Hurricane Debby
A driver who was headed eastbound on Wiscon Road near Tampa General Spring Hill hydroplaned and ended up in a ditch, according to a video from Sheriff Al Nienhuis. The car was filled with water, but the driver was not injured.
Nienhuis warned drivers to drive slowly through standing water and be careful as rain moves through the area on Monday.
Hillsborough County
Strong winds caused trees and limbs to fall, and one tree fell on a trailer on Four Oaks Road. The tree branch punctured the roof, according to the sheriff's office. Downed trees and power lines littered the county.
The water in the Alafia River rose significantly, according to pictures from deputies.
On Interstate 75, a semi-truck driver lost control and veered off the road, and the 18-wheeler was found hanging off the barrier wall. Just after rescue crews arrived on the scene, the truck's cab was submerged in water.
Divers from the sheriff's office helped crews search for the driver in the Tampa Bypass Canal and found the driver dead, according to a news release.
On Davis Islands, drone footage showed the streets completely covered in dirty, murky floodwaters. Downtown Tampa also has several streets flooded, according to according to this interactive map from city leaders.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge shut down to traffic due to high winds and storm surge. Florida Highway Patrol posted a video of large waves crashing onto a roadway.
Hillsborough County: Photos of damage, flooding from Hurricane Debby
Manatee County
Flooding has shut down several roads across the county, according to a map from the county's severe weather center. Most closures are due to water in the road but some are due to downed power lines and trees.
The Bradenton Police Department posted pictures of a large tree that fell on a home on 22nd Street West.
Pinellas County
One lane of the Howard Frankland Bridge closed Monday morning at about 1:30 a.m. because of large waves and debris coming onto the highway, according to Florida Highway Patrol. At 4:30 a.m., all northbound lanes of the bridge were closed as portions of the shoulder and roadway washed out on the Hillsborough side, a news release said.
Tarpon Springs also faced flooding yesterday with pictures from police showing a road shut down. There is significant flooding in Pinellas County especially near the coastline and low-lying areas. Pictures show severe flooding in Clearwater and Oldsmar.
Beach Boulevard in Gulfport also experienced flooding with parking lots and sidewalks submerged in water.
Pinellas County: Photos of damage, flooding from Hurricane Debby
Sarasota County
A local state of emergency was declared in Sarasota due to heavy rainfall and storm surge, according to the city. The Sarasota Police Department said several roadways remain underwater this morning and police are assisting with flooding as many cars are stalled.
Multiple agencies helped rescue residents who were trapped in flooded homes using ATVs and boats. The rescues are happening in the Pinecraft area near Bahia Vista Street and Tuttle Avenue. Pictures show residents trudging through floodwaters with large bags and buckets filled with belongings. The road where rescue teams are is completely submerged in water.
According to the county, N. Casey Key Road is completely closed due to flood waters and downed trees. Phillipi Creek has covered the road south of Southgate Community Center and is flooding the general area. A storm drain and sidewalk washed out on Proctor Road near Suncoast Technical College.
