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.
