Tampa Bay, which has been water-logged with more than 20 inches of rain since July 1, was doused with more than four inches of additional rainfall on Monday.
COMMUNITY: Off duty HCSO Lieutenant R. Jahnke helping rescue neighbors in his North Tampa neighborhood.
The rain, which caused flooding last week, continued to shatter records and showed little sign of relenting. The National Weather Service said a flood watch would be in effect through 8 p.m. Tuesday.
So far Monday, rainfall has exceeded four inches, blowing through the previous record at Tampa International Airport -- set in 1913 -- of 2.57 inches, according to Lindsay Milbourne, the weather reporter for MyFoxTampaBay.com. The National Weather Service predicts rainfall is expected to exceed five inches in some areas Monday.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's office has been tweeting photos throughout the day of rescue efforts and massive street flooding.
Clifton and Sawyer in Tampa--what a nightmare!
FLOODING: Hillsborough River overtaking residents dock. Photo via @BonnieLambertt
RESCUE: Our team rescuing an elderly couple in their 80's, who were trapped in their home, photo via @ActionNewsKera
The Pasco County Office of Emergency Management issued a mandatory evacuation order for flood prone areas. The Anclote River had already risen to flood levels and waters were expected to rise throughout Monday.
Danielle Denney's house in front of Bass Lake in New Port Richey has 36 inches of water in the basement. #tbtweather
New Port Richey - flooded areas, evacuation order: http://t.co/bGND79Q5zA
The heavy rainfall also closed down local attractions – including Busch Gardens and the Lowry Park Zoo.
Park Update: Due to severe inclement #weather, #buschgardens will NOT open today, 8/3. Keep checking back for more updates.
Well this is no fun. The Zoo is closed for heavy downpours and local flooding. Stay safe Tweeters.
The flood watch is in effect for Pasco, Hillborough, Hernando, Levy and Citrus counties, according to the National Weather Service. A Red Cross shelter has been opened for residents.
At least 200 residents are also without power, the sheriff's office said:
POWER OUTAGE: @TECOEnergy reporting 208 customers without power.