TAMPA, Fla. — Flooding from Hurricane Debby has inundated some parts of Tampa Bay with water as rivers overflow from the heavy rainfall.
The National Weather Service released a briefing Tuesday morning that said some rivers will continue to see water levels rise through the week as water drains through the river basins, which could mean continued flooding for residents.
Weather forecasters said additional rainfall can also worsen issues near already vulnerable rivers.
A map from the National Water Prediction Service shows rivers in the area and how severe their flooding is by labeling each one with a color.
Rivers with major flooding
In Hillsborough County, the Alafia River in Lithia is considered to have major flooding with water at about 19 feet high. The flood stage, which is the water level at which a river begins to overflow for the Alafia River is 11 feet. This is affecting the surrounding area near County Road 640.
Little Manatee River near Wimauma at U.S. Highway 301 is also experiencing major flooding with the water being more than 19 feet high with a flood stage of 11 feet. According to NOAA, which runs the map, when the water at this river reaches 14.5 feet, there is flooding of several houses near 32nd and 33rd streets in Ruskin.
The water level at the Manatee River at Rye Bridge is 18.20 feet, which is less than the 20 feet it was at on Monday night. The flood stage is 11 feet there and at 17 feet, the water started reaching the foundations of elevated homes and the Christian Retreat Center, according to NOAA. The river by Myakka Head at State Road 64 is also experiencing major flooding with water at 17 feet high, which causes lower sections of the state road to flood.
Rivers with moderate flooding
The Hillsborough River near Zephyrhills at State Park has a water level of 13.5 feet with a flood stage of 10 feet. At about 11 feet, lowland flooding can occur at the mobile home park near Branchton on State Road 579, according to NOAA.
The Myakka River at the state park has a water level of 8.65 feet but is expected to go up to 10.4 but Thursday night.
Rivers with minor flooding
Cypress Creek at State Road 54 Worthington Gardens is seeing a water level of 8.2 feet which Is just over the flood stage of 8 feet.
Horse Creek near Arcadia at State Route 72 is currently seeing a water level of almost 14 feet with a flood stage of 12 feet. But NOAA is predicting that the creek will see moderate flooding later this week with a water level of up to 15 feet.
Rivers that could see flooding
The Hillsborough River at Morris Bridge is currently at 30 feet with a flood stage of 32 feet but officials are predicting the water level to rise to 32.70 feet which could lead to minor flooding. At that level, flooding begins at a trailer park downstream from Morris Bridge and just upstream from the northern end of the Tampa Bypass Canal, according to the website.
The Anclote River near Elfers at Little Road in Pasco County is currently at 19.32 feet with a food stage at 20 feet. The water is predicted to rise to about 22 feet by Wednesday night bringing minor to moderate flooding that could lead to water over the roadway along the Elfers Parkway.
How to stay safe during a flood
If you are worried about your home flooding, make sure to have an emergency kit ready and be prepared to evacuate. The National Weather Service advises to charge all electronics and pack bags in advance. If you have time, shut off the water service, gas service and electricity to your home.
After a flood, be sure to avoid floodwaters. Downed power lines can cause electrocution and debris in the waters can be dangerous. Also, don't drive through floodwaters because they can cause stalling or carry a vehicle away.