Florida: 5 Weather Alerts in Effect Over Tampa, Includes Hurricane Watch, River Flood Warning 

In different areas of Tampa, Florida, five weather alerts are in effect with the next update issued within the day.

The alerts issued by the National Weather Service - Tampa office include a hurricane watch over Coastal Hillsborough County and another on Englewood to Tarpoos springs. Other weather alerts over the area are a storm surge warning, a tropical weather statement, and a river flood warning.

Hurricane Watch Over Coastal Hillsborough County

The Hurricane Watch over Coastal Hillsborough County was announced at around 5 PM today. The end of effectivity is yet to be announced.

A hurricane watch means that within the next 48 hours, hurricane-force winds could occur somewhere in this region. Locations affected the most are Tampa, Westchase, and Apollo Beach.

Current wind forecasts are at 75 mph, however, NWS warns that wind speeds can reach over 110 mph. Potential impacts include structural damage to buildings as well as large object projectiles.

This Hurricane Watch also gives warnings on storm surges, flooding, and possible tornadoes.

Hurricane Watch Over Coastal Waters, Englewood to Tarpon Springs

Tampa has another Hurricane Watch, which is in effect over Tampa waters and coastal waters from Englewood to Tarpon Springs. The alert was announced at 5 am today with the end of effectivity, still to be announced.

Wind gusts can reach over 125 knots. These incredibly powerful winds will produce dangerous seas that could damage or capsize vessels and significantly reduce visibility.

NWS issued a precaution that mariners should remain in the port, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for extreme conditions before conditions deteriorate further.

Storm Surge Over Coastal Hillsborough County

Another weather alert is in effect over Coastal Hillsborough County; a Storm Surge Watch. This alert means life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, is possible somewhere within this area within the next 48 hours.

The latest local forecast includes a possible life-threatening storm surge with a Peak Storm Surge Inundation, which is the potential for 5-8 feet above ground somewhere within surge-prone areas.

Experts say the storm surge could last until Thursday.

Read also: Forecasts Suggest Fiona Could Become Most Intense Storm on Record to Hit Atlantic Canada 

Tropical Weather Statement West Central and Southwest Florida

NWS announces that Ian becomes a hurricane with a rapid strengthening to be expected for the day. The initial weather alert is effective until 1 pm today.

According to NWS data, this morning, Ian has become a hurricane and is moving northwest through the central Caribbean Sea. By Tuesday, it is expected to become a major hurricane and move north into the southeast Gulf of Mexico.

The weather comes with potential strong damaging winds, flooding rains, tornadoes, and storm surges.

River Flood Warning Over Little Manatee River at Wimauma

From Wednesday 7 AM of last week, a River Flood Warning is in effect over Little Manatee River at Wimauma. The alert will be in effect until further notice.

In Ruskin, flooding starts to affect several homes near the 32nd and 33rd streets.

The flood warning is extended to Manatee River near Myakka Head, which will be affecting Manatee County, and Horse Creek near Arcadia which could affect DeSoto County.

The next update by NWS will be given at 12:45 AM tonight, The Weather Channel Reports.

Related article: Tropical Storm Ian May Bring Heavy Rains and Flooding to Cuba and Florida