Evacuations Ordered For Some In Tampa Area As Heavy Rain Continues
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NEW PORT RICHEY (CBSMiami/AP) — Authorities say a mandatory evacuation order is in effect for people living in a flood-prone area near New Port Richey.
The Pasco County Office of Emergency Management issued the evacuation order early Monday following heavy rain over the weekend.
Officials say the nearby Anclote River is expected to exceed 24 feet Monday afternoon putting it at what is considered major flood stage. They say areas that were affected by heavy rain last week will likely see flooding again on Monday.
The county's Resident Information Center is open and accepting non-emergency calls.
Emergency management officials are also continuing to monitor the situation in low-lying parts of Tampa.
Heavy rain and flooding is expected to continue in the area on Monday, with storms pushing onshore with very few breaks, leading to widespread flooding and a rise in river levels.
A flood watch will remain in effect until 4 p.m. Monday for Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Citrus and Hernando Counties.
The rain should start to subside later in the afternoon and into the evening, beginning a much-needed dry stretch for the heavily saturated area.
Rain will still be in the forecast on Tuesday and Wednesday but not at the rate that the area has seen in recent days.
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