HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Hillsborough County is bracing for the impact of Hurricane Milton, with the National Weather Service issuing flood watches and warnings across the region.
The entire county is under a hurricane warning, and coastal areas are under a storm surge warning, highlighting the severity of the situation.
READ: UPDATE: Hurricane Milton Threatens Florida’s West Coast: Expected Landfall Wednesday Night
Flood Watch in Effect
A flood watch is in place for all of Hillsborough County, indicating conditions are favorable for flooding. While flooding is not guaranteed, residents should be aware of the potential risk and take necessary precautions.
Flood Warnings Issued for Several Locations
Flood warnings, signifying imminent or ongoing flooding, have been issued for the following areas:
- Hillsborough River near Zephyrhills at the state park (from Thursday morning until further notice)
- Alafia River near U.S. 301 (from late Wednesday night to Thursday afternoon)
- Alafia River at Lithia (from late Wednesday night until further notice)
- Little Manatee River at Wimauma at U.S. 301 (from Wednesday until further notice)
READ: Florida Gov. DeSantis Provides Key Updates On Hurricane Milton
Flooding: A Widespread Threat
Flooding can occur rapidly and unexpectedly due to heavy rainfall or storm surge. Even shallow water can be deceptively dangerous, with depths varying significantly over short distances. While inland flooding near lakes and low-lying areas is common, rising rivers and coastal tidal surges also pose significant threats.
Preparing for Potential Flooding
Residents in flood-prone areas are urged to take the following steps:
- Know how to shut off utilities: Familiarize yourself with the procedures to shut off electricity and gas to your home in case of flooding.
- Compile emergency contacts: Create a list of essential emergency numbers.
- Identify a safe location: Determine a safe place to relocate to in the event of flooding.
- Secure important documents: Store insurance policies, valuable papers, and medications in a secure, waterproof location.
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