Tropical Storm Debby brings heavy rain, flood threat to Bradenton and Manatee County

Tropical Storm Debby became a Category 1 hurricane late Sunday night as it continued its slow churn through the Gulf of Mexico towards Florida’s Big Bend region, where it is expected to make landfall on Monday morning.

Bradenton and Manatee County are experiencing heavy rains, wind gusts and flash flooding on Sunday as the storm moves north. As of 11 p.m., Debby was 100 miles west-northwest of Tampa with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph.

While Manatee County remains outside Debby’s direct path, officials are urging residents to stay alert as the storm’s bands move across the region.

“Residents and visitors need to understand this is going to be a long process,” Manatee County Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske said in a Sunday morning update.

In Manatee County, tropical storm conditions are expected to persist overnight and possibly into Monday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

As of 11 p.m., hurricane force winds extended about 45 miles from the storm’s center, and tropical storm force winds extended about 140 miles.

Sunshine Skyway Bridge closed

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge was closed to traffic around 10 p.m., Florida Highway Patrol said.

“Motorists should seek alternate north/south travel routes,” the agency said.

‘Life-threatening’ Flash Flood Warning

A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for Manatee County until 5 a.m. Monday, the NWS said.

Heavy rains are causing life-threatening flash flooding in areas including Bradenton, Palmetto, Anna Maria Island, Ellenton and Lakewood Ranch, the NWS said.

Areas that can flood include small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

“Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads,” the flood warning said. “Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”

The agency said water rescues were ongoing in southern Manatee County.

County responds to emergencies

One person’s car stalled near a body of water and they received help exiting the vehicle from first responders, county spokesperson Bill Logan said in an email.

Shadybrook Village Condos off of Whitfield Avenue in South Manatee County were evacuated due to a power outage on Sunday, Logan said. Two MCAT buses were provided to help residents of the 165 unit condominium evacuate.

Logan said the county also responded to a sewage backup at a home on 17th Street East near Tallevast Road, where a tanker truck was attempting to relieve pressure from the nearby lift station so crews could perform a cleanup.

Officials: Stay inside, don’t drive in storm

During a noon press conference on Sunday, local officials urged residents to stay inside and take storm threats seriously.

“Tropical Storm Debby has slowed down a bit, and she is getting stronger,” Fiske said. “Do not underestimate it. This is not just a regular afternoon thunderstorm.”

“Do not go out during the storm,” Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown said.

“I’m looking out at our citizens to really take this serious,” Brown said. “Even though this may not be the big wind storm we (thought) we were going to have, we are going to have flooding. If you’re in a low-lying area ... take this serious and be careful. Do not go out and start trying to drive your car in it or walk, because some of the manholes and the covers could be off.”

Fiske encouraged residents in coastal and low-lying areas to pay close attention to the storm and call 911 if help is needed.

Fiske said water rescue teams are standing by for anyone caught in flooding.

“If you need help, call. We will come,” Fiske said.

She said residents should expect prolonged flooding impacts from the storm.

Fiske said there are no plans to shut down utilities to Anna Maria Island.

Bradenton-area Tropical Storm Debby updates

Manatee County remains under a Tropical Storm Warning, which means that tropical storm conditions are likely within the next 36 hours.

Coastal Manatee County, including Anna Maria Island, is also under a Storm Surge Warning. Storm surge of 3 to 5 feet is possible, and coastal flooding is expected over the next 24 to 36 hours.

Manatee County Emergency Management is encouraging evacuations for residents in Coastal Zone A and low-lying areas. Evacuation is not mandatory.

The county has opened evacuation shelters at Miller Elementary School, 601 43rd St. W., Bradenton and Nolan Middle School, 6615 Greenbrook Blvd., Bradenton.

Sunday’s storm forecast called for up to 12 inches of rain in Manatee County, with higher amounts in some areas.

Just before 5 p.m. Sunday, a Flash Flood Warning was issued for Manatee County, and it was extended around 9:30 p.m. Heavy rains are causing flash flooding in areas including Bradenton, Palmetto, Anna Maria Island, Ellenton and Lakewood Ranch, the National Weather Service said.

Areas that can flood include small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas, NWS said.

“Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads,” the flood warning said. “Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”

A Flood Warning is in effect for the Manatee River near Myakka Head at S.R. 64 until further notice, NWS said Sunday.

Tornadoes are also a possibility. A Tornado Watch is in effect for Manatee County until 6 a.m. Monday. A watch means that tornadoes could form.

Before noon Sunday, two tornado warnings had been issued for East Central Manatee County. Another tornado warning was issued for Southeastern Manatee County until 5:30 p.m. A tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted or detected by weather radar.

Power loses in Manatee County were minimal throughout the day but climbed on Sunday night. As of 11 p.m., Florida Power & Light reported over 2,300 outages and Peace River Electric Cooperative reported 124.

Manatee County offices, beaches, Skyway and roads closed

Manatee County offices and facilities will be closed Sunday and Monday and reopen Tuesday, county officials said Sunday.

The Lena Road Landfill will remain open on Monday, and county trash pickups will stay on their normal schedule for the week, the county said.

Coquina Beach and Manatee Beach are closed until further notice, and trolley service on Anna Maria Island is suspended.

Bradenton government offices and City Hall will also be closed on Monday. City trash pickups remain on schedule for the week, the city said Sunday.

The City of Bradenton and the Bradenton Police Department are monitoring low-lying areas for flooding. The agencies announced the following road closures on Sunday:

• Riverview Boulevard from 19th to 26th Street West

• 51st Street West from Ninth to 18th Avenue West

• Ninth Street West from Ninth to 17th Avenue West

• Martin Luther King Avenue West from 14th to 18th Street West

• Virginia Drive from Manatee Avenue to Ninth Avenue West

• Virginia Drive at Seventh Avenue West

• Riverside Drive East from Second to Sixth Street East
  
  

• Riverfront Boulevard near the Skate Park