TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Ike's Ripple Effect Brings Local Flooding Again

ADVERTISEMENT

By NEIL JOHNSON

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 12, 2008

TAMPA - By this morning's high tide, Hurricane Ike's effect on the Tampa Bay area should be nearly finished, with water rising maybe a foot or less above normal.

The coastal flood advisory issued by the National Weather Service expired Thursday night, though high surf will remain through today.

On Thursday, water pushed by Ike again overflowed low areas along much of the Florida's west coast, covering some roads but not reaching homes and businesses.

The morning high tide that peaked between 11 a.m. and noon brought storm tides 1 to 2 feet above normal, similar to the tides Wednesday.

It was enough to cover streets in Pinellas County's Shore Acres community and reach close to the top of sea walls along the Hillsborough River in Tampa.

Water also covered Sunset Boulevard in Port Richey, but didn't reach structures. Workers closed side streets and kept most traffic from the street.

Bay and Gulf waters in Sarasota and Manatee counties pushed into roads and neighborhoods for a second day. On Lido Key, a stretch of road near South Lido Park was blanketed by 2 to 3 feet of water.

On Siesta Key, lifeguards found a sea turtle nest destroyed by waves. They gathered the handful of eggs that appeared viable for Mote Marine Laboratory.

News Channel 8 reporter Jackie Barron contributed to this report. Reporter Neil Johnson can be reached at njohnson@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7731.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT