It is hard to believe that five years have gone by since one of the worst floods in Tampa Bay history.

What You Need To Know

  • It was the worst flood in nearly 65 years

  • 15-20 inches of rain fell within 10 days

  • Persistent onshore flow led to coastal flooding in Crystal River

  • 40 residents were evacuated from flood waters in northern Pinellas County

The summer of 2015 was one for the record books. Weeks of rain in July led to drainage pools that were filled to the rim.

Nearly a foot of rain fell in July alone. Flooding reports started to pour in toward the end of the month. Our soil was saturated and our drainage system was overwhelmed.

Toward the end of the month, a persistent onshore wind developed. All it did was pump in tropical moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, with continuous rounds of heavy rain. This pattern continued into the following month.

It was not associated with a tropical depression or tropical storm.

An onshore wind continued through August 1. Four-to-six rounds of heavy rain moved inland from the Gulf of Mexico. Storms were strong with gusts near 45 mph. There was record rainfall in Tampa that day too, totaling 3.89” on August 1st alone.

Some communities reported nearly 7 inches of rain. Major flooding was reported in Tampa.

Flood waters were rising across many communities. It was scary to watch, according to a witness. Resident Monique Annas told the Tampa Bay Times "It's been a slow torture watching the water get higher and higher.”

Rounds of rain continued to pass through on August 2. Gusty storms knocked down trees and led to power outages around the area.

A strong onshore wind was responsible for coastal flooding at high tide in Crystal River.

On August 3rd, record rain fell over Tampa again. This made matters go from bad to worse. Several rounds of rain dumped 4.39” of rain in Tampa. Major flooding was reported in the New Port Richey area.

Copious amounts of rain fell between New Port Richey and Tarpon Springs over the last ten days. The rain totals were between 15-20 inches over a span of 10 days.

In northern Pinellas County, Palm Harbor Fire and Rescue rescued 40 people from two mobile home parks. Officials say water levels there were up to four feet.

Thankfully, the heavy rain lightened up the following day. Just a trace of rain was measured in Tampa on August 4. There were flooding issues for weeks to follow, but the worst of the flood waters were able to slowly subside during that time.