HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. – The area of low pressure over the northwestern Caribbean Sea has now formed into Tropical Depression 25. TD 25 is expected to impact the northeastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula before heading into the southwestern part of the Gulf of Mexico. Direct impacts are not expected from TD 25 however, it will help to bring deep tropical moisture to west-central and southwest Florida this weekend. This increasing moisture combined with a northward moving warm front and additional upper-level energy will increase the potential for some very heavy rainfall and flooding issues across the region beginning late Saturday through Monday.
IMPACTS
- Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches with locally higher amounts possible, especially in areas that experience repeated rounds of heavy rain or the training of storms.
- Localized flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas. Area rivers will be on the rise.
WITHLACOOCHEE RIVER LEVELS
The Withlacoochee River is currently at or approaching action stage. While the river level is not expected to reach minor flood stage at this time, some additional rise is expected over the next few days. Residents along the river are urged to stay informed, review emergency plans, and be prepared to take action to protect personal property, if necessary.
Withlacoochee River observations as of Friday, October 2, 2020 at 12:30 p.m.
- Trilby is at 10.71 feet; action stage is 10.5 feet; minor flood stage is 12 feet.
- Croom is at 7.79 feet; action stage is 8 feet; minor flood stage is 9 feet.
ACTION STAGE
The stage which, when reached by a rising stream, represents the level where the National Weather Service or a partner/user needs to take some type of mitigation action in preparation for possible significant hydrologic activity. Residents in and around the areas of Lacoochee, Talisman Estates, Riverdale, and River Height Estates are urged to prepare for possible action.
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS
Residents living along the river and in low-lying, flood prone areas are urged to closely monitor river levels and take precautions as needed to protect life and property. Be prepared to move to higher ground if necessary.
- Monitor river gauges at: http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=tbw
- Register for automated severe weather notifications at http://www.AlertHernando.org
Do not drive through standing water. Turn around, don’t drown.
Take this opportunity to refresh your emergency supply kit. For more information, visit http://www.HernandoCounty.us/EM