The National Weather Service issued a flood advisory for parts of Hillsborough County at 6:43 p.m. The advisory remained in effect until 8:15 p.m. Areas specifically named included Tampa, Lutz, University, Lake Magdalene, Greater Carrollwood, Busch Gardens and Carrollwood.
The advisory signals that flooding was possible but not expected to reach the severity of a warning. The National Weather Service defines a flood advisory as an event that can cause significant inconvenience and may threaten life or property if people are not cautious. The agency distinguishes this level from a flood warning, which indicates imminent or ongoing flooding, and from a flash flood warning, which signals a sudden, violent inundation that can develop in minutes and affect areas not currently seeing rain. A flood watch means conditions are favorable for flooding, but it does not mean flooding will occur.
Safety Recommendations And Driving Guidance
The National Weather Service urged residents in low lying or flood prone areas to move to higher ground and to follow evacuation orders when issued. If time allows, the agency advised disconnecting utilities and appliances to reduce electrical risk. People were warned to avoid basements and submerged rooms with electrical outlets or cords and to evacuate immediately if they heard buzzing or saw sparks.
The agency advised against walking into floodwaters because even shallow, fast moving water can sweep people away. Call 911 if trapped on a high point by moving water. Motorists were reminded never to drive through standing or flowing water. The National Weather Service noted that as little as 12 inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away most vehicles.
For wet road conditions the agency offered specific driving tips. Stay away from culverts and drainage ditches where water can move swiftly. Maintain the two second following rule and add two more seconds in heavy rain. Slow down and avoid sudden braking to prevent skids. Use middle lanes because water pools in outside lanes, and keep headlights on to improve visibility.
The agency warned that the first half hour of rain often produces the slickest roads and that large vehicles create spray that reduces vision. Drivers should inspect windshield wipers and pull off if visibility becomes unsafe. If the roadside is the only option, pull beyond the end of a guard rail when possible, turn on headlights and emergency flashers, and wait for conditions to improve.
