Issue #173: Hurricane Debby Hits: Tampa Flooding, Bridge Closure, Port Disruption

08/05/2024

Author

Ted Grellner
05 Aug

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SORRY for the late issue - software issues stopped production of newsletter.

As a result this issue is limited to TS (now Hurricane) Debby’s impact on the TB area & useful information.

Dr Ted
USAF Retired

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In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Local News

— Hurricane Debby Causes Severe Flooding in Tampa Bay Area

— Partial Washout Closes Howard Frankland Bridge Between Tampa and St. Pete

— Flooding and Damage Reports Needed as Tampa Recovers from Debby

Travel News

— Hurricane Debby Closes Tampa Port, Disrupts Multiple Cruise Itineraries


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Hurricane Debby Causes Severe Flooding in Tampa Bay Area

Hurricane Debby intensified overnight before making landfall in the Big Bend region, near Steinhatchee. Though the storm largely bypassed Tampa Bay, it brought heavy rainfall that has led to significant flooding in parts of the area. Meteorologists warn that heavy rains could continue to cause flooding through Monday, and tornado watches remain in effect for some regions.

Residents are urged to stay alert and take necessary precautions as the area deals with the aftermath of the storm.

Read More: tampabay.com ($-subscription) — photos of the region’s flooding

Similar Photos of area flooding — (free but photo locations are not identified as they are in first article)

Partial Washout Closes Howard Frankland Bridge Between Tampa and St. Pete

A section of the Howard Frankland Bridge was shut down Monday morning, impacting traffic between Tampa and St. Petersburg. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) closed all northbound lanes at approximately 4:30 a.m. due to portions of the shoulder and roadway being washed away on the Hillsborough County side.

The trouble began shortly after midnight when waves and debris started hitting the highway. As conditions worsened through the night, officials deemed it necessary to close the bridge for safety reasons.

Motorists are advised to use alternate routes while traffic engineers assess and repair the damage.

Flooding and Damage Reports Needed as Tampa Recovers from Debby

NOTE: This article is primarily for City of Tampa residents

In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Debby, Tampa Bay residents are urged to report any non-life-threatening storm damages. Drivers should continue to exercise caution and avoid flood waters on the roads / low-lying areas.

For non-life-threatening situations, contact the Tampa Police Department’s non-emergency line at (813) 231-6130. To report flooding, call the Stormwater Customer Service Line at (813) 274-3101.

Residents and business owners experiencing non-life-threatening storm damages should complete the Resident Damage Self Reporting Form. This helps city crews identify and report damages to Hillsborough County and FEMA. Note that this form does not replace private property insurance claims.

One particularly striking and little-known fact about local flooding in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel is that the rapid urban development in these areas has led to a phenomenon known as "flash flooding."

Originally, these regions were characterized by extensive wetlands and natural floodplains that effectively managed and absorbed rainwater. However, as the communities expanded, much of these natural areas were replaced with impermeable surfaces such as roads, parking lots, and buildings. This change drastically reduced the land's ability to absorb water, leading to a dramatic increase in surface runoff. 

As a result, even a short but intense rainstorm can overwhelm the drainage systems, causing sudden and severe flooding.

Hurricane Debby Closes Tampa Port, Disrupts Multiple Cruise Itineraries

Hurricane Debby has forced the closure of Port Tampa Bay, causing several cruise lines to alter their plans. The port shut down on Sunday and remains closed pending a Coast Guard assessment.

Carnival Cruise Line:

  • Carnival Paradise is stranded at sea with no projected arrival time. Guests for the next sailing are advised to wait for confirmation before heading to the terminal.

  • Carnival Elation left Jacksonville early on a five-day trip to avoid the storm.

Margaritaville at Sea:

  • Margaritaville at Sea Islander remains at sea, aiming to return to Tampa Bay by evening. The next cruise will start later and exclude Key West, shortening the trip by a day.

Royal Caribbean:

  • Symphony of the Seas skipped Port Canaveral on Sunday for an extra sea day.

  • Vision of the Seas canceled its overnight in Bermuda, departing early instead.

Norwegian Cruise Line:

  • Norwegian Sky changed its route, skipping Key West for Nassau and replacing Great Stirrup Cay with Nassau on Sunday.

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