Community Corner

Heavy Rain, Possible Flooding Kick Off Fourth of July Week

Forecasters say rain chances will remain strong throughout the first part of the week, but should start to diminish a bit by July 4.

Get out those umbrellas and plan to keep them out for at least a few days, Westchase.

The National Weather Service says the Tampa Bay area is in for a very soggy start to Fourth of July week. Rain chances are 90 percent on Monday and only drop to about 70 percent on Tuesday. Wednesday will bring much of the same with rain chances remaining in the 60 percent area.

Thunderstorms are also anticipated in the afternoon hours during the start of the week. Some storms could bring wind gusts in the 40 mph range, said Tyler Fleming, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Ruskin office.

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So, what’s causing such a soggy start to the week?

There’s a “strong ridge blocking an upper level trough from progressing,” Fleming said. This is creating the perfect conditions for lots of heavy rain, he added.

Find out what's happening in Westchasewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

While some of the rain should clear out by Thursday, July 4, Fleming said the later part of the week will bring higher temperatures with it. The inland areas can expect highs in the mid-90s in time for Independence Day and coastal areas can anticipate temperatures around 90.

With as much as 2 inches of rain anticipated on Monday alone, flooding is also a concern.

“We’ve seen so much rain lately that piling more rain on could produce some flooding,” Fleming said. Minor river flooding and some localized street flooding is possible.

Fleming warns motorists to avoid flooded streets. Even if standing water appears to only be an inch or two deep that might not be the case.

“Sometimes the road could be washed out and it could be much deeper.”

Moderate rip currents are also a concern in coastal areas through Tuesday.

To get a complete look at the forecast for Westchase, visit the National Weather Service online.

Stay with Patch for updates about the weather and be sure to post your weather photos to our boards!


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