MADEIRA BEACH, Fla. — Residents in many coastal cities in Pinellas County awoke to rising flood waters after many hours of pounding rain and a rising tide from the ocean.
The combination left water across streets and in some homes in some areas of Pinellas County and closed some roads in Hillsborough County.
The National Weather Service said radar estimates showed 2 to 4 inches of rain fell, with some areas seeing as much as 5 inches. NWS reports found the highest wind reports
in the 40 to 50 miles per hour range, with a few spots gusting above 50 miles per hour.
According to the NWS forecast, the highest threat for winds and flooding has passed the area, so all advisories and warnings have expired. NWS meteorologists said maximum water levels reported near high tide Sunday morning were in the 2-4 foot range.
Access to Snell Isle, Shore Acres and Riviera Bay is closed to local traffic until further notice. Please avoid driving in low lying areas until the water recedes. @StPeteFL pic.twitter.com/hdi1o94KBx
— St. Pete Police (@StPetePD) December 17, 2023
By early afternoon, Tampa Police said Bayshore Blvd and surrounding roads had reopened. Pinellas County said coastal flooding was also receding through the late morning hours.
The rain came as an unusual December low-pressure system developed in the Gulf of Mexico, bringing with it tropical rains and winds to all of the Tampa Bay area. Luckily for the region, the anticipated severe weather did not develop.
More photos from the Shore Acres area:
