Mayor Bob Buckhorn is urging everyone to stay off the roads tonight but if you need to use the roads, he asks you to avoid flooded areas and those prone to flooding.

“I’m asking everyone to stay inside and avoid areas that they know are areas that traditionally have high water,” Buckhorn said at a news conference Sunday evening. “The ground is absolutely saturated. It cannot take too much more rainfall. So if it does rain it’s going to collect on the surface because it has nowhere else to go.”

Several streets in Tampa - major and minor - became impassable Saturday evening, stranding dozens of motorists. Neighborhood street flooding was so severe some residents took to kayaks and canoes to get around. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had to cancel a practice at One Buc Place that was going to be open to the public, although the team did work out at another location.

“We received record amounts of rainfall over the last two days,” Buckhorn said. “There is no way in the world that any system could’ve accumulated the amount of rainfall that we got in that short period of time.”

Buckhorn said the city has handed out 4,000 sandbags and plan to hand out more on Monday. How serious is the flooding issue?

“In terms of the amount of water we push through our waste water system... on a normal day we move 60 million gallons," he said. "In the last 24 hours, 155 million gallons of water has moved through our system, (stressing it.)"

Buckhorn encourages residents to let the water recede “do not let your children play in the water.”

“Stay inside tonight. If there is more rain coming you don’t need to be on the streets," he said. "Tomorrow during rush hour traffic we anticipate most of the roads, major roads, will be open. “

There are no major roadways flooded at this time. However, flooding is expected to create challenges with road closures and traffic detours throughout the evening and on Monday.

Residents should report all flooding issues by calling (813) 274-3101. To report any tree limbs blocking the right of way, please call (813) 274-5744.

As the water table subsides in the next few days, residents should expect an increased number of utilities cave ins. Please call to report any issue within the roadway at (813) 274-3101.

Utilities

Wastewater pumping stations throughout the city are over capacity due to heavy rainfall. Residents are reminded to stay out of standing flood water. Standing water will contain bacteria related to the wastewater overflows along with insects and other animals. Residents experiencing a wastewater overflow on personal property (either yard or structure) should call (813) 259-1693 to report the issue. 

Sandbags - Extended Hours

To date, more than 4,000 sandbags have been handed out to area residents. Sandbags are still available to city residents today, August 2, 2015 until midnight as supplies allow at two locations: Bobby Hicks Pool, located at 4201 W. Mango Avenue, and Solid Waste, located at 4010 W. Spruce Street.

Sandbags will be available tomorrow, Monday, August 3, 2015 from 8 a.m.  to 4 p.m.  at three locations, which are as follows:  Bobby Hicks Pool, Solid Waste, as well as Jackson Heights Playground, located at 3310 E. Lake Avenue.

Tampa residents interested in receiving sandbags must show identification verifying residence within the city limits. A valid driver's license, utility bill, or electric bill will serve as appropriate identification.

Storm Debris

Storm debris disposal options available to City of Tampa residents are as follows:

Curbside Pick-up: City of Tampa residents may place storm debris at the curbside for collection. Debris should be placed away from obstructions such as mailboxes, parked vehicles, fences, water meters, etc.

Schedule Pick-up: Residential customers wishing to schedule storm debris pickups are encouraged to call the customer service call center at (813) 274-8811 during business hours Monday through Friday.

Debris may also be dropped off at the McKay Bay Transfer Station.

Safety Precautions

During any heavy rainfall or severe weather event, the City of Tampa encourages the motoring public to heed traffic advisories, obey traffic signs/detours, and to exercise caution when driving in and around standing water.

  • Do not drive through water – it is difficult to determine how deep the water is.
  • It is best to avoid driving unless necessary.
  • Treat non-functioning traffic signals as a 4-way stop.
  • If you see a road closed, please follow the detour signs.
  • Avoid any downed or hanging power lines - they may be live.