More heavy storms in the forecast as flood watch issued for the Bradenton area

With as much as four inches of rain falling in areas of Manatee County on Wednesday and more storms in the forecast, the National Weather Service in Tampa has issued a flood watch for the Bradenton area.

“Abundant tropical moisture will continue to stream into west central and southwest Florida through the end of the week,” the NWS reports.

A flood watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. People are urged to monitor weather forecasts for possible flood warnings, which means flooding is imminent for affected areas.

The warning is currently in effect until 6 p.m. Saturday.

“Locally heavy rain can be expected through the end of the week and into the upcoming weekend,” the NWS reports. “The heavy rain will bring the threat for localized flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas, as well as ponding of water on roadways.”

The NWS advises to never enter or cross flowing water of unknown depth.

“Stay away or be swept away,” according to the NWS.

In addition to the flood watch, the NWS also issued a hazardous weather outlook for Manatee County due to forecasts related to potential heavy thunderstorms.

These storms can produce locally heavy rains, heavy wind gusts and deadly lightning strikes.

There is an 80 percent chance of precipitation for the next three days until Saturday night when rain chances drop slightly to 70 percent.

Temperatures will range from the mid- to high-80s through Saturday with overnight lows in the low- to mid-70s.

Rain chances remain high through the weekend with a 70 percent chance of storms on Sunday during the day and dropping to 60 percent Sunday night.

This story was originally published June 4, 2020 at 6:49 AM.