Flood Watch Across Hillsborough County

Tropical Storm Isaac still days away, but the potential for flooding in Hillsborough County is more of an immediate concern, say forecasters at the National Weather Service.

A flood watch has been issued for the county until 8 p.m. tonight, Aug. 22. This means that flooding is possible within the next 24 to 36 hours.

“All of the rain we have gotten has caused the rivers to (be near flood stage),” said Nicole Carlisle, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Carlisle said the flooding threat doesn’t come from Tropical Storm Isaac. Rather, it’s from a “stalled frontal boundary over us, and we’re expecting more rain today.”

"Widespread rainfall totals of 2 to 3 inches are likely with locally higher amounts through this evening," the weather service's report said. "Especially from storms with heavy rain repeatedly moving across the same locations."

Forecasters are calling for a 70 percent chance of rain in the New Tampa area today with more storms likely on Thursday.

For a complete look at New Tampa weather, visit the National Weather Service online.

Stay with New Tampa Patch for updates as they become available.