The National Weather Service in Tampa has issued a slew of alerts affecting the Bay Area. Foremost on the list is a high rip current risk that began this afternoon due to swells from Hurricane Francine and is expected to persist through Friday evening, touching the shores of Pinellas, Coastal Hillsborough, and several others. As per the National Weather Service, these rip currents possess the strength to "sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water" accoding to the lastest forecast by the NWS.
Residents along the Alafia River have more than rip currents to worry about, as a flood warning continues for Lithia within Hillsborough County. The river at Lithia is now forecast to minorly flood, with current water levels reaching a stage of 13 feet as of early this morning. According to the advisory from the National Weather Service, this has already led to local roadways such as River Drive and Squirrel Run Way being completely inundated, and at least one home begins to flood.
Tampa residents can expect scattered showers and thunderstorms to break the overcast skies intermittently through the next several days. The daytime high could reach upwards of 91 degrees, while the humidity remains steadfast around 87%.
In terms of preparatory action, the National Weather Service advises: "Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don`t swim against the current." They further suggest that, if able, swimmers should follow the shoreline or signal for help if caught in a rip current. The same caution applies to flood conditions, where it is advised to avoid walking near riverbanks and certainly to shun the dangers of driving through flooded roads.
