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More storms expected in Tampa area after record-setting rain day

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Residents in Pasco County fear more rain today could make the flooding even worse.

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By LEIGH SPANN

News Channel 8

Published: July 2, 2009

TAMPA - Rain chances remain high today, a day after record-setting rainfall brought flooding that snarled traffic and forced some homes to be evacuated in the Bay area.

Tampa International Airport recorded 4.72 inches of rain Wednesday, shattering the previous mark for the day, 2.84 inches, set in 1955. It was the sixth wettest July day ever.

Forecasters expect storms to continue moving onshore from the Gulf today, and a flood watch continues through the evening hours.

The area could see 1 to 3 inches of rain, with some isolated areas getting more.

Because the ground is saturated from the past two days of rain, expect flooded roads and swollen rivers.

The Little Manatee River at Wimauma is nearly 3½ above flood stage and expected to crest Friday morning at 14½ feet. It should fall back below flood stage by Saturday afternoon.

High pressure begins to build back into the area Friday, lowering rain chances. Forecasters bring the rain potential down for the Fourth of July, too, when a more typical weather summer pattern returns for the weekend. That means morning sunshine, scattered afternoon storms and highs in the low 90s.

News Channel 8 meteorologist Leigh Spann can be reached at (813) 221-5772.

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