As Hurricane Milton draws near, triggering severe weather conditions, Hillsborough County is bracing for potential flooding with the National Weather Service issuing both flood watches and warnings across the region. Per an update from the Hillsborough County Government, every area within the county is under a hurricane warning, while places along the coast face storm surge warnings.
Residents of Hillsborough County should be alert as the area is under a flood watch, indicating possible flooding but not a certainty. A flood watch warns of likely flooding, while a flood warning means flooding is imminent or occurring. Specific areas, like the Hillsborough River near Zephyrhills and the Alafia River near U.S. 301, are under flood warnings starting late Wednesday night into Thursday. People living near these rivers should prepare and stay cautious.
People near lakes and low-lying areas are at greater risk and should stay alert. The expected rise of the Hillsborough River at Morris Bridge by Thursday evening emphasizes these dangers.
In response to these warnings, locals are urged to make safety a priority: know how to cut off gas and electricity before floods hit, keep a list of emergency contacts close at hand, secure a designated safe spot to seek refuge during the flood, and safeguard essential items—insurance documents, valuable papers, and medication should be kept at the ready.
