TAMPA BAY, FL -- Continual showers and widespread flooding affected many Tampa Bay area residents throughout Wednesday.The National Weather Service has extended a flood watch through Thursday evening for the following counties: Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota, Polk, Hernando, De Soto, Highlands and Hardee.
Widespread flooding was reported throughout the Bay area Wednesday morning and afternoon with 5 - 7 inches reported in some locations.Additional rainfall amounts of 1 - 3 inches are likely, with 3 - 5 inches possible.
Wednesday afternoon, Hillsborough Fire Rescue arrived at Progress Village to assist families who were evacuating due to flooding.
Using boats to navigate through the floodwaters that covered mailboxes in some areas, rescue personnel went door to door to check on residents.Two families evacuated and were taken to First Baptist Church of Progress Village. More evacuations may be made before the storms clear.....
Tampa International Airport spokeswoman Brenda Gohagan said there were "a bunch" of flight delays Wednesday morning due to the bad weather.
In Pasco County, floods forced officials to issue a voluntary evacuation in the Port Richey area.The Pasco County Sheriff's Office and Emergency Management officials were evacuating people from their homes near Ranch Road and U.S. 19 around 6:45 a.m.
At least a dozen residents were directed to a shelter at St. Mark's Presbyterian Church at U.S. 19 and Highway 52. St. Mark's closed at 7:00pm to reevaluate for the night.
Governor Charlie Crist, in a released statement, said "This evening, I have directed Division of Emergency Management Interim Director Ruben Almeguer to work with officials in Pasco County as they assess the needs of impacted residents due to significant rainfall and flooding situation."
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