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National Weather Service

Region has frigid wake-up call

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The new year brought the first blast of winter to Pasco County, and to the Tampa Bay region.

Freeze warnings and wind chill advisories rained down daily from the National Weather Service, as frigid air dipped into north and central Florida, and stayed for days.

For the first time in decades, Tallahassee had measurable snowfall.

The Greenery of Tampa Bay, a nursery on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, covered some of its cold-sensitive plants, as arctic air arrived in Pasco County. (Kathy Steele)

Here in Tampa Bay, snow was a no-show, but temperatures plunged into the low 30s and upper 20s.

The unexpected weather meant many area residents turned on the heat in their homes for the first time, and pulled out those rarely used sweaters and coats.

Construction workers went to work wearing coats; nurseries were forced to cover cold-sensitive plants.

The hard freezes also put Pasco County, social service agencies, farmers, and wildlife officials on alert.

The county opened cold-weather emergency shelters for five nights in west and east Pasco, from Jan. 2 through Jan. 6.

In east Pasco, Restored Hope in Dade City, Samaritan Project of Zephyrhills, and Helping Rock, also in Zephyrhills, helped families and individuals to find shelters and resources for food and warm clothing.

In West Pasco, the United Way helped families who needed shelter, and Joining Hands Mission, in Holiday, helped individuals.

They are part of Pasco’s “Cold Weather Shelter Program” that provides outreach to the county’s neediest residents.

The program is a coalition of area churches; nonprofit agencies, such as the United Way, the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross; the Homeless Coalition of Pasco County; and social service organizations.

Manatees are affected by extreme cold weather, often swimming into warm-water habitats, including discharge canals of power plants and natural springs. Wildlife officials asked that boaters watch out for manatees in shallow waters near the coast, both inland and coastal. Boaters also should obey posted manatee speed zone signs. (Courtesy of Southwest Florida Management District)

Pasco’s Office of Emergency Management, the sheriff’s office and public transportation department also provide support.

Shelters generally are opened when temperatures drop below 36 degrees, with or without wind chill, for four hours or more, according to the county’s website, PascoCountyFl.net.

The shelters, which normally open by 6 p.m., are operated by nonprofits and religious organizations. Churches and area motels often help out.

Depending on fund and donation availability, shelters can provide food, drinks and blankets, according to the county’s website.

Not all shelters are able to take families, but the program will find ways of providing shelter for families in need.

Kathy Hunt is the outreach director for Restored Hope, an organization she started about four years ago in Dade City.

She works with a local motel to secure rooms for homeless individuals and families. In one instance, a year ago, she helped a mother find warm shelter for three nights. She had been living in a shed, with her four children, Hunt said.

Over the past week, she monitored the phone line for her organization during the five nights of predicted freeze. A local motel provided a couple of rooms. And, she also checked on a homeless camp in the area.

“I’ve never seen cold that latest this long, this early,” Hunt said.

The Samaritan Project, in Zephyrhills, also monitored for phone calls, helping a couple of families find shelter.

“We want people to reach out to us,” said volunteer Paul Bathrick.

Eddy Reyes, founder of Helping Rock, said in total the three nonprofits in east Pasco, probably aided about 40 people who needed shelter from the cold. Helping Rock took in about eight people, he said.

Helping Rock is the only transitional housing program in east Pasco that can provide shelter services and other resources to the homeless population on a daily basis, Reyes said.

“There is a huge need,” he said.

Construction workers at a future apartment complex off State Road 54 are bundled up against the cold weather. (Kathy Steele)

The Pasco County Health Department offered tips on staying warm during the freeze.

Officials said to stay indoors as much as possible. When venturing outside, people should dress warmly in layers of clothing.

Also, as temperatures dip below freezing, home water taps should be kept slightly open so that they drip continuously. And, pets should be brought indoors and provided warm shelter.

Fire officials worried about the potential for house fires as residents sought to stay warm.

A major risk is the improper use of space heaters, said Karl Thompson, Pasco’s fire marshal and fire prevention division chief.

Residents in older homes, without central heat and air, are more likely to rely on those than people in newer homes, he said.

“I am worried as temperatures get into the 20s especially in some older, smaller homes that don’t have insulation,” he said. “These were built for Florida and not for the cold.”

People should avoid placing space heaters “too close to curtains. They can tip over and some don’t have automatic cutoff (systems),” Thompson said.

Christmas trees can also pose a hazard and should be disposed of, he added.

The cold weather also put farmers and wildlife officials on alert.

It’s early to know how crops, such as peaches and blueberries, will fare in the cold, but farmers are experienced in what to do, said Whitney C. Elmore, director of Pasco County Extension.

Pasco is unique in having “micro-climates” in different areas of the county, said Elmore.

For example, Dade City generally gets colder than Wesley Chapel.

“One or two degrees can make a difference,” Elmore said.

In addition to farm crops, landscaping also can take a hit from the cold.

Elmore said this was the first time in about seven to eight years that the area had a cold snap this early in the year, she said.

“A lot of people have taken that as a mandate to plant more tropicals,” she said. “I am concerned about that.”

People should take precautions and cover sensitive plants.

But, there is a right way and a wrong way to do that.

Elmore said the coverings – often bed sheets – should never touch the plants. It’s best to build a small scaffold that can hold up the coverings.

They should be removed when the sun comes up the next day, she added.

And, she cautions against using heaters to protect landscaping, including fruit trees. “This is certainly a fire hazard.”

Irrigation also can be an issue.

If possible, Elmore said irrigation systems should be turned off on the coldest nights.

“If they need to irrigate, it is best early in the morning when the temperatures are warming up,” she said.

But, residents should check with the county or extension agency regarding restrictions on when watering is allowed, she added.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission monitored populations of sea turtles and manatees, according to a news release from the state agency.

Sea turtles can be stunned by cold water temperatures, and float listlessly in the water or near the shore. While they might appear dead, wildlife officials said they often are still alive.

Residents can report such sightings to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at (888) 404-3922.

Manatees also are affected by extreme cold weather, often swimming into warm-water habitats, including discharge canals of power plants and natural springs.

Wildlife officials asked that boaters watch out for manatees in shallow waters near the coast, both inland and coastal. They also should obey posted manatee speed zone signs.

For information from Restored Hope, call (352) 437-4815; for the Samaritan Project, call (813) 810-8670.

For information on the county’s cold weather shelter program, visit PascoCountyFl.net.

Heating safety tips

  • Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from heating equipment
  • Have a 3-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters
  • Never use your oven to heat your home
  • Have a qualified professional install stationary space heaters, water heaters or central heating equipment, according to local codes and manufacturer’s instructions
  • Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional
  • Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed
  • Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters
  • Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
  • Test smoke alarms at least once a month.

Source: National Fire Protection Association

Published January 10, 2018

Flood warning for Hillsborough River, Cypress Creek

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Heavy rains have brought flooding to parts of eastern and central Pasco County, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a flood warning for the Hillsborough River and Cypress Creek.

Those two waterways at Hillsborough River State Park and Worthington Gardens are expected to rise above flood stage by the weekend, officials said. Up to 5 inches of rain is expected to fall in a short period of time, creating more water than the area can handle.

At Worthington Gardens, Cypress Creek was reported at a depth of 4.5 feet. However, the river is expected to rise above its flood stage of 8 feet by early Friday morning, and could rise as high as 10.3 feet by Sunday morning. Depending on what happens with the weather, there is a chance it could rise even more before it starts to drop back down.

At the 8-foot flood stage, the recreation area on State Road 54 near the creek would flood. At 11 feet, however, flooding would begin to threaten homes on State Road 54.

It’s the first time since August 2003 Cypress Creek has been this high, where at the time, it crested at 10.3 feet.

A flood warning means that flooding is imminent or already occurring along larger streams that is causing a serious threat to life or property. Officials warn residents and others in the area to not drive through any bodies of water.

Worthington Gardens is the area of central Pasco County near Wesley Chapel and Land O’ Lakes where State Road 56 meets Interstate 75, not far from where the new outlet mall has begun construction. Hillsborough River State Park is located on U.S. 301, just south of Zephyrhills.

Pasco, Hillsborough under flood watch advisories

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Deep tropical moisture is streaming into the central part of Florida, creating the potential of flooding throughout the region — including parts of Pasco and Hillsborough counties.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch through Wednesday morning, with rainfall in the amounts of 2 to 4 inches expected for most parts, but up to 6 inches in others.

A flood watch means that flooding is possible during the next 24 to 36 hours, and that residents living in flood-prone areas should take action to protect their property.

The moisture is being exacerbated by what weather observers are calling an upper-level trough moving east across the northern Gulf of Mexico, with low pressure bringing widespread areas of rain with embedded storms into the region.

Those rains will likely lead to flooding of low-lying and poor drainage areas, as well as the ponding of water on roadways, weather officials said. People living in flood-prone areas, or along rivers or faster-flowing streams, should monitor water levels and be ready to move to higher ground if flooding is observed.

Roadways and low-lying areas may become quickly flooded with the heavy rainfall. Because of that weather service officials warn drivers not to traverse flooded roadways, as it might be difficult or impossible to tell how deep the water truly is.

 

Weather service warns about another frigid night

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The National Weather Service has issued warnings for a second night in a row for freezing temperatures through west central Florida, including Pasco County.

The group’s Ruskin office has issued a frost advisory between the hours of 1 a.m. and 8 a.m. early Thursday for areas that include inland Pasco County, especially local cities like Dade City and Zephyrhills. That means residents should expect temperatures of between 30 and 35 degrees, with widespread frost threatening to damage or destroy cold-sensitive plants.

An advisory like this means that frost is likely, weather officials said, and that sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.

The cold is the result of high pressure, and the clear skies and lighter winds that come with it. That creates radiational cooling that will produce freezing temperatures throughout the Nature Coast area, as far south as Pasco.

The area remains under a severe weather alert caused mostly by temperatures dropping below freezing. A freeze watch is in effect for Citrus and Levy counties.

Pasco County under freeze watch Tuesday night

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Temperatures are expected to hit freezing levels overnight for parts of Pasco County, prompting the National Weather Service to warn residents to take the appropriate precautions.

It is the first freeze of 2014, and will affect not only inland Pasco, but significant portions of Levy and Citrus counties, according to an alert by the weather service. Those places could see a hard freeze with temperatures expected to drop into the mid-20s.

The watch is in effect from late Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning. Temperatures are expected between 28 and 32 degrees, lasting three to four hours. Such conditions could kill crops and other sensitive vegetation.

The weather service suggests people protect not only crops, but other planets, pets and pipes from prolonged exposure to sub-freezing temperatures.

 

Severe thunderstorm warning, tornado watch for Pasco

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The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Central Florida, including Pasco County, until 2:30 p.m.

Meteorologists in the Ruskin office detected a line of severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds in excess of 60 mph, according to the alert. The storms were located along a line extending from 14 miles northwest of Crystal River, to 35 miles west of Holiday.

The storms are moving east at 50 mph, and already have caused widespread damage across Levy County, weather officials said.

The alert affects areas locally like Spring Hill, Dade City and Zephyrhills.

Anyone in the storm’s path is advised to prepare immediately for damaging winds, destructive hail, and deadly lightning. People outside should most to a shelter, officials said, preferably inside a strong building, but away from windows.

The entire area remains under a tornado watch until 8 p.m.

 

Weather service issues flood warnings for Pasco, Hillsborough

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(These warnings have been lifted.)

The National Weather Service in Ruskin has issued a flood warning for urban areas and small streams for southwestern Pasco County, northwestern Hillsborough County, and northeastern Pinellas County.

The warning is in effect until 8:45 p.m. Friday, officials said.

Flooding already has been reported along Hesperides and Lambright streets in Tampa, according to a report. Vehicles are said to be stuck in the water, which in some areas reporting waist-deep.

A flood warning means that flooding is imminent, or has been reported. Stream rises will be slow, and flash flooding is not expected, officials said.

Drivers should not take vehicles into areas of high water, even if the water does not appear to be moving. Vehicles can stall, and drivers could end up trapped in flooded areas.

Most flood deaths occur in cars, especially since flood waters are usually deeper than they appear. One foot of flowing water is powerful enough to sweep a vehicle off the road.

Children and small pets should be kept away from storm drains. As flood waters swell around these areas, strong current can develop and pull children and pets into the drain, officials said.

 

Floods can literally sweep people off their feet

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Florida is known for its lightning and rain. And with that can come flooding — which many people dismiss as not being something to worry about.

Yet, 18 to 24 inches of moving water can wash an SUV off the road, according to the National Weather Service. And more than half of all flood-related deaths are people driving through flooded roads.

The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes is reminding residents that when roads are flooded, to turn around, and don’t drown.

It also offers these tips for both before and during floods. All it takes is a few inches of water to cause major damage to a home, the organization said.

• Clear yard of any debris, plant material or other items like garden décor, foliage, or garbage cans, that can block water flow and storm drains.

• Place important papers — like birth and marriage certificates, passports, bank, and insurance information — in a watertight container. Take photographs or videos to create an inventory of personal possessions, and keep the camera card handy in case of evacuation.

• Identify and move electronics and other expensive items like computers, televisions and area rugs, on lower levels of the home, and elevate if possible to keep dry.

• Avoid flooded areas or those with rapid water flow. Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream, as it takes just 6 inches of fast-flowing water to sweep someone off their feet.

• Don’t allow children to play near high water, storm drains, or ditches. Hidden dangers could lie beneath the water.

• Flooded roads could have significant damage hidden by floodwaters. Never drive through floodwaters, or on flooded roads.

• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to see flooded roads.

To learn more about how much flooding can cost, visit Flash.org.

Storm drops trees, damages Dade City zoo

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Clean-up is continuing Tuesday morning at Dade City’s Wild Things after severe rain over the weekend took down four trees, causing extensive damage to cages and equipment there.

Sasha, a panther at Dade City's Wild Things, tries to stay out of the way of a fallen tree after storms knocked down three of them at the zoo. (Courtesy of Dade City's Wild Things Facebook page)
Sasha, a panther at Dade City’s Wild Things, tries to stay out of the way of a fallen tree after storms knocked down three of them at the zoo. (Courtesy of Dade City’s Wild Things Facebook page)

The storms, which hit Aug. 24, caused the trees — including one that was more than a century old — to hit a tiger and panther cage, according to the organization’s Facebook page. Although no one was hurt, zoo officials had to act quickly to secure the animals, and make sure they were safe.

The National Weather Service reported that 1.33 inches of rain fell in the Tampa Bay area Saturday, an inch more than normal. That was followed by another 0.34 inches on Sunday, contributing to saturated conditions that have endured 7 inches more rain than the average, since January.

A lot of the damage was started by a single tree, zoo officials said on Facebook. That tree was so large, it took down three other trees with it. That destroyed a concession stand and drink cooler, and heavily damaged cages that were home to panther Sasha and tiger Roy.

“We knew it was bad last night,” the zoo said on Facebook. “But seeing it completely this morning, it is very disheartening to see all our work destroyed and having to start over.”

Rebuilding will have to begin immediately, and the zoo is currently accepting donations to help with cleanup efforts. For more information on how to help, call (813) 714-2555, or visit DadeCitysWildThings.com.

Dade City’s Wild Things is located on 22 acres just off Meridian Avenue in Dade City. It operates in conjunction with Stearns Zoological Rescue & Rehab Center Inc.

Flood watch continues throughout region

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UPDATE: This advisory has expired.

With more rain expected to continue on Saturday, the National Weather Service has issued a flood watch, which will remain in effect until 4 p.m. on Saturday.

The weather service says a frontal boundary of a weather system will slowly sag southward across West Central Florida. That will produce a number of rain showers and isolated thunderstorms, hitting an area that already experienced heavy rainfall the day before. All of that water together could result in additional flooding.

Rainfall is expected to hit three-quarters of an inch during the morning and afternoon, although some higher amounts could be possible, the weather service said.

A flood watch means that flooding is possible during the next 24 to 36 hours. The weather service warns that residents living in flood-prone areas should take action to protect property.

The area has a near 100 percent chance of rain as isolated showers will continue into the evening on Saturday, the weather service said. However, that’s expected to clear up around midnight and salvage the weekend on Sunday with mostly sunny conditions, and highs in the mid-80s.