Today's rain has brought flooding to much of the Tampa Bay area. Some people have had to abandon cars in the road. Florida Highway Patrol, Public Affairs Officer, Sergeant Steve Gaskins, says drivers need to be vigilant when driving today.
“Make sure to reduce your speed, increase your following distance, make sure you have your headlights on so that other drivers can see you,” Gaskins said. “Make sure that you have good working vehicle equipment, such as windshield wipers. That seems to be a problem that we have with many drivers, if you encounter standing water do not attempt to cross the standing water, try to seek alternate routes, standing water, even small amounts can actually pull your vehicle off the road very rapidly.”
Current locations to avoid due to flooding in Tampa are Nebraska and Hanna, Bougainvillea and 30th, Florida and Linebaugh, 22nd and 109th. For up to the minute updates, go to flhsmv.gov.
Hillsborough County is making sandbags available to the public until 5 p.m. tonight (May 2), as weather conditions permit, at all three County Public Works Service Units:
- West Service Unit - 9805 Sheldon Road
- South Service Unit – 8718 Old Big Bend Road
- East Service Unit – 4702 Sydney Road
Sandbag materials will be available for residents to make their own sandbags. Each citizen must sign their name and provide their home address acknowledging the receipt of 25 sandbags or less.
Citizens also can call 813-635-5400 to report flooding/road problems or request additional information.
Here's an update from the City of Tampa website:
Flash flood warning in our area until 1 p.m.
Do not drive through water it is difficult to determine how deep the water is.
It is best to avoid driving unless necessary.
Do not wade in flooded waters.
Treat non-functioning traffic signals as a 4-way stop.
If you see a road closed, please follow the detour signs.
Avoid any downed or hanging power lines - they may be live.
Stay tuned to your local television and radio stations for information.
