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Hurricane Ian at peak intensity while approaching southwest Florida on Sept. 28, 2022.

2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season

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Local updates: Power outages and flooded roads across the Tampa area

WUSF | By Carl Lisciandrello,

Gabriella Pinos

Published August 5, 2024 at 6:26 AM EDT

Updated August 5, 2024 at 5:10 PM EDT

Hurricane Debby flooded roads in Hernando County and across the Tampa Bay area.

Some parts of the region received 8 to 12 inches of rain that resulted in flooded roads. Early Monday, I-75 at Fowler was closed after a semitrailer became submerged in the Tampa Bypass Canal.

Debby made landfall Monday morning in Steinhatchee along Florida's Big Bend as a Category 1 hurricane, but the impacts will still be felt across the greater Tampa Bay region throughout the day.

Debby was downgraded to a tropical storm as of 11 a.m. Monday, according to an advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

Several areas were under tornado warnings early Monday as powerful cells moved through parts of Sarasota, Manatee and Hillsborough counties. Forecasters say the threat of tornadoes and high winds have started to subside as of 3 p.m. Monday.

A tropical storm warning and storm surge warning for the Florida Gulf Coast was discontinued as of 5 p.m. Monday, according to a NHC advisory.

Cars parked in a flooded parking log — Hurricane Debby caused widespread flooding in Clearwater and across the Tampa Bay area.

Also, the National Weather Service reports 8 to 12 inches of rain has fallen so far over a large portion of Pinellas, Sarasota, Manatee, and southwest Pasco counties.

Sarasota County Fire Department Chief David Rathbun said the county had twice the amount of rain that was predicted. There is heavy flooding in the Phillippi Creek area. There are also concerns over high tide, and water isn't able to run off as tributaries are full.

Rathbun encouraged people to shelter in place and avoid standing water on the roads. You can call 311 to report flooding in your home if it's not a life-threatening emergency.

The area saw record rainfall on Sunday, with more than 11 inches falling at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. That's more than has been recorded falling on any single day in the city. The last record of 10.8 inches was set in June 1945.

Some areas of Sarasota County received over 12 inches of rain, according to the Sarasota County Water Atlas.

The storm flooded roads and stranded drivers, and raised concerns that area rivers could overflow.

TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN - We've received several reports of flooded roadways. Do not drive through standing water. Stay safe.#SRQCounty #HurricaneDebby pic.twitter.com/o1cYiiA9Fe
— Sarasota County Government (@SRQCountyGov) August 5, 2024

Due to the rain, Manatee County officials are strategically releasing water from Lake Manatee. Road closures are in effect and residents who received a targeted alert are encouraged to go to a nearby shelter.

Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske said the release of water is meant to ensure the Manatee Dam stays in good structural condition. There may be more strategic releases amid storm surge and rising tides.

Forecasters say weather conditions will continue to improve Monday and Monday night.

Heavy rain bands will continue to affect the area into Monday night. There may be rainfall between 1 to 3 inches over the next couple of days, with localized amounts of up to 5 inches. Flooding will also be a hazard for a few days, with coastal flooding concerns through Tuesday.

Forecasters say most of Debby's impacts on Florida will wrap up on Tuesday.

As for marine conditions, a tropical storm warning is in effect for the coastal waters between Tarpon Springs and the Suwannee River. A small craft advisory is in effect until 8 p.m. Tuesday for coastal waters from Bonita Beach to Englewood. Winds and seas will subside Monday night and Tuesday, but they will remain elevated for the next few days.

While on your morning communte, remember turn around, don’t drown! pic.twitter.com/sEtoKsfvhY
— Tampa Police Department (@TampaPD) August 5, 2024

Power outages

As of 5:05 p.m. on Monday, storms had knocked out power to more than 54,000 Duke Energy customers, including around 11,000 in Pinellas and Pasco counties, and more than 2,000 Tampa Electric customers. Check for power outages in your area:

Duke Energy said it expects to restore power to 95% of customers in Pinellas and Pasco counties by 11:59 p.m. on Monday. Click here to report an outage or check your outage status.

Road closures

Several roads across the region are flooded. Take extra care when approaching standing water.

Southbound lanes on I-75 reopened at Fowler Avenue around 9:30 a.m. after a fatal crash involving a tractor trailer. The driver lost control on the wet roads around 2:30 a.m. and struck a concrete barrier. The cab then fell into the Tampa Bypass Canal and became submerged. Divers later recovered the driver's body.
The two outside northbound lanes on Howard Frankland Bridge heading into Tampa are closed. The two inside northbound lanes are open.
The Sunshine Skyway bridge is also closed in both directions due to high winds, the highway patrol said.
Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa is closed from Platt Street to Bay to Bay Boulevard, and numerous side streets are also shut down.