* WHAT. Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE. Portions of southwest and west central Florida, including the following areas, in southwest Florida, Coastal Charlotte, Coastal Lee, Inland Charlotte and Inland Lee. In west central Florida, Coastal Citrus, Coastal Hernando, Coastal Hillsborough, Coastal Levy, Coastal Manatee, Coastal Pasco, Coastal Sarasota, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Inland Citrus, Inland Hernando, Inland Hillsborough, Inland Levy, Inland Manatee, Inland Pasco, Inland Sarasota, Pinellas, Polk and Sumter. * WHEN. Through Friday morning. * IMPACTS. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - Heavy rainfall is expected as Hurricane Helene moves across the NE Gulf of Mexico. Rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches, with isolated totals up to inches are expected. These higher totals may cause flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. - https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 686 UNTIL 6 AM EDT FRIDAY WHICH REPLACES A PORTION OF TORNADO WATCH 683. THE NEW WATCH IS VALID FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS THE NEW WATCH INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING ADJACENT COASTAL WATERS TAMPA BAY WATERS CHARLOTTE HARBOR AND PINE ISLAND SOUND COASTAL WATERS FROM TARPON SPRINGS TO SUWANNEE RIVER FL OUT 20 NM COASTAL WATERS FROM ENGLEWOOD TO TARPON SPRINGS FL OUT 20 NM COASTAL WATERS FROM BONITA BEACH TO ENGLEWOOD FL OUT 20 NM

TORNADO WATCH 686 REMAINS VALID UNTIL 6 AM EDT FRIDAY FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS THIS WATCH INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING ADJACENT COASTAL WATERS TAMPA BAY WATERS COASTAL WATERS FROM TARPON SPRINGS TO SUWANNEE RIVER FL OUT 20 NM COASTAL WATERS FROM ENGLEWOOD TO TARPON SPRINGS FL OUT 20 NM

HLSTBW This product covers West Central and Southwest Florida **HURRICANE HELENE MAKES LANDFALL IN THE FLORIDA BIG BEND REGION** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Storm Surge Warning, Tropical Storm Warning, and Hurricane Watch are in effect for Coastal Hillsborough, Coastal Manatee, Coastal Sarasota, and Pinellas - A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for Coastal Citrus, Coastal Hernando, Coastal Levy, and Coastal Pasco - A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Inland Levy - A Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch are in effect for Inland Citrus, Inland Hernando, and Inland Pasco - A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect for Coastal Charlotte and Coastal Lee - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Inland Charlotte, Inland Hillsborough, Inland Lee, Inland Manatee, Inland Sarasota, Polk, and Sumter * STORM INFORMATION: - About 70 miles northwest of Cedar Key FL or about 170 miles north-northwest of Mouth of Tampa Bay FL - 29.9N 83.9W - Storm Intensity 140 mph - Movement North-northeast or 15 degrees at 24 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Major Hurricane Helene has now made landfall in the Florida Big Bend region with life-threatening to catastrophic impacts from storm surge, hurricane-force winds, flooding rain, and tornadoes. * Storm Surge - Life threatening storm surge is occurring. Potential peak surge amounts are 10 to 15 feet from Chassahowitzka to Suwannee River, 8 to 12 feet from Anclote River to Chassahowitzka, 5 to 8 feet from Middle of Longboat Key to Anclote River, 4 to 7 feet from Englewood to Middle of Longboat Key, and 3 to 5 feet from Bonita Beach to Englewood. Elevated water levels will remain possible through Friday. * Flooding Rain - Flooding rain threat will continue through this weekend with rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches and locally higher amounts up to 10 inches. Even after Helene pulls away, additional rounds of heavy rainfall are expected this weekend. * Wind - Hurricane and tropical storm force winds are occurring and will continue tonight with the highest probabilities along the coast. * Tornadoes - A tornado watch is in effect. Several tornadoes are possible tonight. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * SURGE: Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across the Nature Coast, West-Central Florida, and Southwest Florida. Remain well away from life-threatening surge. If realized, these impacts include: - Widespread deep inundation, with storm surge flooding greatly accentuated by powerful battering waves. Structural damage to buildings, with many washing away. Damage greatly compounded from considerable floating debris. Locations may be uninhabitable for an extended period. - Near-shore escape routes and secondary roads washed out or severely flooded. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Extreme beach erosion. New shoreline cuts possible. - Massive damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Numerous small craft broken away from moorings with many lifted onshore and stranded. Elsewhere across West Central and Southwest Florida, little to no impact is anticipated. * WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across Nature Coast, West-Central Florida, and Southwest Florida. Remain well sheltered from life-threatening wind. If realized, these impacts include: - Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some destroyed. Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks. - Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and roadway signs blown over. - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. - Large areas with power and communications outages. * TORNADOES: Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across Nature Coast, West-Central Florida, and Southwest Florida. Remain well braced against a dangerous tornado event. If realized, these impacts include: - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. * FLOODING RAIN: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across Nature Coast, West-Central Florida, and Southwest Florida. Remain well guarded against life-threatening flood waters. If realized, these impacts include: - Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Listen for updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Keep a battery-powered radio, charged cell phone and flashlight handy. Keep your cell phone charged and in power-saving mode. If you lose power, use it sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and check-ins. Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or videos. If you are prone to flooding or in an area under a storm surge watch or warning, be prepared for the possibility of a quick and dramatic rise in water levels. If a tornado warning is issued for your area, quickly move to the safest place within your shelter. Protect your head and body. * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay Ruskin FL around 6 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED - St. Petersburg - Clearwater - Largo * WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 35-45 mph with gusts to 70 mph - Window for Tropical Storm force winds: through the next few hours - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 58 to 73 mph - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Plan for dangerous wind of equivalent strong tropical storm force. - PREPARE: Last minute efforts to protect life and property should now be complete. The area remains subject to significant wind damage. - ACT: Now is the time to shelter from dangerous wind. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Unfolding - Potential impacts from the main wind event are unfolding. * STORM SURGE - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Life-threatening storm surge possible - Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The potential for 5-8 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas - Window of concern: through Friday morning - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for storm surge flooding greater than 6 feet above ground - The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Shelter against life-threatening storm surge flooding of greater than 6 feet above ground. - PREPARE: All ordered evacuations should be complete. Evacuees should be in shelters well away from storm surge flooding. - ACT: Remain sheltered in a safe location. Do not venture outside. Move to upper floors to escape rising water if necessary. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Unfolding - Potential impacts from the main surge event are unfolding. * FLOODING RAIN - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional around 1 inch - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for moderate flooding rain - The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for moderate flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are possible. - PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action may result in serious injury or loss of life. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches overflow. - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures. * TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Tornado Watch is in effect - Situation is favorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several tornadoes - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should continue to include the potential for several tornadoes. - PREPARE: Stay within your shelter keeping informed of the latest tornado situation. - ACT: Move quickly to the safest place within your shelter if a tornado warning is issued. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: - https://www.weather.gov/tbw

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED - Wildwood - Lake Panasoffkee - Bushnell * WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 45 mph - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm force. - PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect property should be completed as soon as possible. Prepare for limited wind damage. - ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages. * FLOODING RAIN - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional around 1 inch - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for moderate flooding rain - The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for moderate flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are possible. - PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action may result in serious injury or loss of life. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches overflow. - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures. * TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Tornado Watch is in effect - Situation is favorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several tornadoes - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for several tornadoes with a few possibly intense having larger damage paths. - PREPARE: Those living in manufactured homes or on boats are urged to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather arrives. - ACT: Listen for tornado watches and warnings. If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: - https://www.weather.gov/tbw

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED - St. Petersburg - Clearwater - Largo * WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 35-45 mph with gusts to 70 mph - Window for Tropical Storm force winds: through the next few hours - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 58 to 73 mph - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Plan for dangerous wind of equivalent strong tropical storm force. - PREPARE: Last minute efforts to protect life and property should now be complete. The area remains subject to significant wind damage. - ACT: Now is the time to shelter from dangerous wind. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Unfolding - Potential impacts from the main wind event are unfolding. * STORM SURGE - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Life-threatening storm surge possible - Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The potential for 5-8 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas - Window of concern: through Friday morning - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for storm surge flooding greater than 6 feet above ground - The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Shelter against life-threatening storm surge flooding of greater than 6 feet above ground. - PREPARE: All ordered evacuations should be complete. Evacuees should be in shelters well away from storm surge flooding. - ACT: Remain sheltered in a safe location. Do not venture outside. Move to upper floors to escape rising water if necessary. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Unfolding - Potential impacts from the main surge event are unfolding. * FLOODING RAIN - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional around 1 inch - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for moderate flooding rain - The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for moderate flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are possible. - PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action may result in serious injury or loss of life. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches overflow. - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures. * TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Tornado Watch is in effect - Situation is favorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several tornadoes - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should continue to include the potential for several tornadoes. - PREPARE: Stay within your shelter keeping informed of the latest tornado situation. - ACT: Move quickly to the safest place within your shelter if a tornado warning is issued. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: - https://www.weather.gov/tbw

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED - St. Petersburg - Clearwater - Largo * WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 35-45 mph with gusts to 70 mph - Window for Tropical Storm force winds: through the next few hours - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 58 to 73 mph - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Plan for dangerous wind of equivalent strong tropical storm force. - PREPARE: Last minute efforts to protect life and property should now be complete. The area remains subject to significant wind damage. - ACT: Now is the time to shelter from dangerous wind. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Unfolding - Potential impacts from the main wind event are unfolding. * STORM SURGE - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Life-threatening storm surge possible - Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The potential for 5-8 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas - Window of concern: through Friday morning - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for storm surge flooding greater than 6 feet above ground - The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Shelter against life-threatening storm surge flooding of greater than 6 feet above ground. - PREPARE: All ordered evacuations should be complete. Evacuees should be in shelters well away from storm surge flooding. - ACT: Remain sheltered in a safe location. Do not venture outside. Move to upper floors to escape rising water if necessary. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Unfolding - Potential impacts from the main surge event are unfolding. * FLOODING RAIN - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional around 1 inch - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for moderate flooding rain - The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for moderate flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are possible. - PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action may result in serious injury or loss of life. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches overflow. - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures. * TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Tornado Watch is in effect - Situation is favorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several tornadoes - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should continue to include the potential for several tornadoes. - PREPARE: Stay within your shelter keeping informed of the latest tornado situation. - ACT: Move quickly to the safest place within your shelter if a tornado warning is issued. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: - https://www.weather.gov/tbw

The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in Florida. Little Manatee River At Wimauma at US 301 affecting Hillsborough County. .Rainfall from Hurricane Helene will cause water levels to rise into flood stage for the next few days. For the Little Manatee. including Wimauma at US 301. Minor flooding is forecast. * WHAT. Minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE. Little Manatee River at Wimauma at US 301. * WHEN. From Friday afternoon until further notice. * IMPACTS. At 11.0 feet, The river overflows its banks. At 13.0 feet, The canoe rental area floods. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - At 7:00 PM EDT Thursday the stage was 6.0 feet. - Bankfull stage is 11.0 feet. - Forecast. The river is expected to rise above flood stage tomorrow afternoon and continue rising to a crest of 14.0 feet Saturday evening. - Flood stage is 11.0 feet. - Flood History. This crest compares to a previous crest of 14.0 feet on 08/28/1995. - https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 686 UNTIL 6 AM EDT FRIDAY WHICH REPLACES A PORTION OF TORNADO WATCH 683. THE NEW WATCH IS VALID FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN FLORIDA THE NEW WATCH INCLUDES 15 COUNTIES IN CENTRAL FLORIDA HARDEE POLK SUMTER IN NORTHERN FLORIDA LEVY IN SOUTH CENTRAL FLORIDA DESOTO HIGHLANDS IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA CHARLOTTE LEE IN WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA CITRUS HERNANDO HILLSBOROUGH MANATEE PASCO PINELLAS SARASOTA THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ARCADIA, AVON PARK, BAYSHORE GARDENS, BEVERLY HILLS, BONITA SPRINGS, BOWLING GREEN, BRADENTON, BRANDON, BRONSON, BROOKSVILLE, BUSHNELL, CAPE CORAL, CEDAR KEY, CHIEFLAND, CITRUS SPRINGS, CLEARWATER, DADE CITY, ENGLEWOOD, FANNING SPRINGS, FLORAL CITY, FORT MYERS, HERNANDO, HOLIDAY, HOMOSASSA SPRINGS, HUDSON, INVERNESS, JASMINE ESTATES, LAKE PANASOFFKEE, LAKELAND, LAND O LAKES, LARGO, LECANTO, LEHIGH ACRES, NEW PORT RICHEY, NORTH FORT MYERS, NORTH PORT, PALMETTO, PLACID LAKES, PORT CHARLOTTE, PUNTA GORDA, SARASOTA, SEBRING, SOUTH VENICE, SPRING HILL, ST. PETERSBURG, TAMPA, THE VILLAGES, VENICE, WAUCHULA, WILDWOOD, WILLISTON, WINTER HAVEN, ZEPHYRHILLS, AND ZOLFO SPRINGS.

The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in Florida. Little Manatee River At Wimauma at US 301 affecting Hillsborough County. Manatee River Near Myakka Head at SR 64 affecting Manatee County. . The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Florida. Alafia River At Riverview near US 301 affecting Hillsborough County. .Rainfall from Hurricane Helene will cause water levels on several area rivers to rise into flood stage over the next few days. For the Alafia. including Lithia , Riverview near US 301. Major flooding is forecast. For the Little Manatee. including Wimauma at US 301. Minor flooding is forecast. For the Manatee. including Myakka Head at SR 64, Rye Bridge. Minor flooding is forecast. * WHAT. Minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE. Manatee River near Myakka Head at SR 64. * WHEN. From Friday afternoon until further notice. * IMPACTS. At 11.0 feet, Private road and bridge 1 mile downstream flood. Agricultural, rural Kibler area begins to flood. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - At 8:15 PM EDT Thursday the stage was 5.4 feet. - Bankfull stage is 7.0 feet. - Forecast. The river is expected to rise above flood stage tomorrow afternoon and continue rising to a crest of 12.6 feet Saturday morning. - Flood stage is 11.0 feet. - Flood History. This crest compares to a previous crest of 12.6 feet on 07/18/1975. - https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in Florida. Little Manatee River At Wimauma at US 301 affecting Hillsborough County. Manatee River Near Myakka Head at SR 64 affecting Manatee County. . The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Florida. Alafia River At Riverview near US 301 affecting Hillsborough County. .Rainfall from Hurricane Helene will cause water levels on several area rivers to rise into flood stage over the next few days. For the Alafia. including Lithia , Riverview near US 301. Major flooding is forecast. For the Little Manatee. including Wimauma at US 301. Minor flooding is forecast. For the Manatee. including Myakka Head at SR 64, Rye Bridge. Minor flooding is forecast. * WHAT. Minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE. Little Manatee River at Wimauma at US 301. * WHEN. From Friday afternoon until further notice. * IMPACTS. At 14.5 feet, Flooding of several houses begins near 32nd and 33rd streets in Ruskin. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - At 8:00 PM EDT Thursday the stage was 6.1 feet. - Bankfull stage is 11.0 feet. - Forecast. The river is expected to rise above flood stage early tomorrow afternoon and continue rising to a crest of 14.4 feet Saturday evening. - Flood stage is 11.0 feet. - Flood History. This crest compares to a previous crest of 14.4 feet on 07/06/1968. - https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in Florida. Alafia River At Riverview near US 301 affecting Hillsborough County. For the Alafia. including Riverview near US 301. Major flooding is forecast. * WHAT. Major flooding is occurring and major flooding is forecast. This approaches the flood of record. * WHERE. Alafia River at Riverview near US 301. * WHEN. Until early tomorrow afternoon. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - At 11:00 PM EDT Thursday the stage was 8.2 feet. - Bankfull stage is 4.2 feet. - Recent Activity. The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 11:00 PM EDT Thursday was 8.2 feet. - Forecast. The river will oscillate above flood stage with a maximum value of 9.1 feet just after midnight tonight. It will fall below flood stage tomorrow morning. - Flood stage is 4.2 feet. - Flood History. No available flood history. - https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

TORNADO WATCH 686 REMAINS VALID UNTIL 6 AM EDT FRIDAY FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN FLORIDA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 8 COUNTIES IN CENTRAL FLORIDA POLK SUMTER IN NORTHERN FLORIDA LEVY IN WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA CITRUS HERNANDO HILLSBOROUGH PASCO PINELLAS THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF BEVERLY HILLS, BRANDON, BRONSON, BROOKSVILLE, BUSHNELL, CEDAR KEY, CHIEFLAND, CITRUS SPRINGS, CLEARWATER, DADE CITY, FANNING SPRINGS, FLORAL CITY, HERNANDO, HOLIDAY, HOMOSASSA SPRINGS, HUDSON, INVERNESS, JASMINE ESTATES, LAKE PANASOFFKEE, LAKELAND, LAND O LAKES, LARGO, LECANTO, NEW PORT RICHEY, SPRING HILL, ST. PETERSBURG, TAMPA, THE VILLAGES, WILDWOOD, WILLISTON, WINTER HAVEN, AND ZEPHYRHILLS.

The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in Florida. Alafia River At Riverview near US 301 affecting Hillsborough County. For the Alafia. including Riverview near US 301. Major flooding is forecast. * WHAT. Major flooding is occurring and major flooding is forecast. This approaches the flood of record. * WHERE. Alafia River at Riverview near US 301. * WHEN. Until late this afternoon. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - At 1:00 AM EDT Friday the stage was 9.4 feet. - Bankfull stage is 4.2 feet. - Recent Activity. The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 1:00 AM EDT Friday was 9.4 feet. - Forecast. The river will oscillate above flood stage with a maximum value of 9.7 feet early this morning. It will fall below flood stage late this morning. - Flood stage is 4.2 feet. - Flood History. No available flood history. - https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in Florida. Little Manatee River At Wimauma at US 301 affecting Hillsborough County. . The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Florida. Manatee River Near Myakka Head at SR 64 affecting Manatee County. For the Little Manatee. including Wimauma at US 301. Minor flooding is forecast. For the Manatee. including Myakka Head at SR 64, Rye Bridge. Minor flooding is forecast. * WHAT. Minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE. Manatee River near Myakka Head at SR 64. * WHEN. From Friday morning to Sunday afternoon. * IMPACTS. At 11.0 feet, Private road and bridge 1 mile downstream flood. Agricultural, rural Kibler area begins to flood. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - At 11:15 PM EDT Thursday the stage was 6.7 feet. - Bankfull stage is 7.0 feet. - Forecast. The river is expected to rise above flood stage tomorrow morning to a crest of 12.2 feet tomorrow evening. It will then fall below flood stage late Sunday morning. - Flood stage is 11.0 feet. - Flood History. This crest compares to a previous crest of 12.2 feet on 07/02/1974. - https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay Ruskin FL has issued a Flood Warning for the following rivers in Florida. Cypress Creek At SR 54 Worthington Gardens affecting Pasco County. Alafia River At Lithia affecting Hillsborough County. For the Cypress Creek. including SR 54 Worthington Gardens. Minor flooding is forecast. For the Alafia. including Lithia . Minor flooding is forecast. * WHAT. Minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE. Cypress Creek at SR 54 Worthington Gardens. * WHEN. From Saturday afternoon until further notice. * IMPACTS. At 8.0 feet, Flooding begins at the recreation area on State Road 54. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - At 11:00 PM EDT Thursday the stage was 7.2 feet. - Bankfull stage is 8.0 feet. - Forecast. The river is expected to rise above flood stage early Saturday afternoon and continue rising to 8.3 feet Sunday evening. Additional rises are possible thereafter. - Flood stage is 8.0 feet. - Flood History. This crest compares to a previous crest of 8.3 feet on 01/24/1998. - https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay Ruskin FL has issued a Flood Warning for the following rivers in Florida. Cypress Creek At SR 54 Worthington Gardens affecting Pasco County. Alafia River At Lithia affecting Hillsborough County. For the Cypress Creek. including SR 54 Worthington Gardens. Minor flooding is forecast. For the Alafia. including Lithia . Minor flooding is forecast. * WHAT. Minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE. Alafia River at Lithia . * WHEN. From late Friday night to Monday morning. * IMPACTS. At 13.0 feet, River Drive and Squirrel Run Way downstream of County Road 640 are completely covered by water. One home begins to flood. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - At 11:00 PM EDT Thursday the stage was 8.5 feet. - Bankfull stage is 13.0 feet. - Forecast. The river is expected to rise above flood stage early Saturday morning to a crest of 13.8 feet early Saturday afternoon. It will then fall below flood stage early Monday morning. - Flood stage is 13.0 feet. - Flood History. This crest compares to a previous crest of 13.8 feet on 07/13/1943. - https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood