The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have released the most current information about Tropical Storm Andrea, which will affect Tampa Bay weather for the next two days.
Forecasters at the NOAA weather service believe the storm surge could reach two to four feet, from Pinellas County north to Apalachicola.
Andrea is the first named storm of the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which began June 1.
According to the NOAA National Hurricane Center, a tropical storm warning is currently in effect for the Gulf Coast of Florida from Boca Grande to the Ochlocknee River. Tropical storm conditions are possible generally within the next 48 hours.
As of 8 p.m. Wednesday, Flagler Beach to Surf City, North Carolina is under a tropical storm watch, where storm conditions are expected somewhere within 36 hours.
Recommendations for what to do during a tropical storm or hurricane, courtesy of the American Red Cross:
- Listen to area radio and TV stations and NOAA Weather Radio for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress or other vital information from the National Weather Service (NWS).
- Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
- When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.
- Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can carry you off of your feet.
- If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
- Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.
- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.
- Because standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding, it’s important to have protection from the floods associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains and other conditions that impact the U.S. For more information on flood insurance, please visit the National Flood Insurance Program Web site at www.FloodSmart.gov.
