Flooding Along Alafia River After Hurricane Idalia Expected to Continue
Hillsborough County, Fla. (Aug. 30, 2023) - A significant storm surge from Hurricane Idalia has pushed the Alafia River to major flood stage and forced road closures throughout Hillsborough County.
The Alafia River reached major flood stage of 6.56 feet at about 8 a.m., a level that is expected to rise later today because of the combination of Idalia-fueled storm surge, heavy rains, and a tide that will peak in early afternoon.
Alafia River flooding will impact roads and neighborhoods from the river mouth at Tampa Bay through Bell Shoals Road to the east, with the area along the Alafia River between Gibsonton and U.S. Hwy. 301 facing the greatest threat. Those floodwaters already have forced the closure of Riverview Drive.
For residents who live along the Alafia River, record rising water is expected through the afternoon. Do not return home until you receive the all-clear from County emergency management officials.
Other road closures throughout Hillsborough County include the following:
- Riverview Drive
- U.S. 41 between Big Bend Road and Ohio Street
- 50th Street and Madison Avenue
- Sheldon Road and Moore Road
- Gulf City Road
- 19th Avenue closed at 14th Street N.W. in Ruskin
- Causeway Boulevard and 47th Street
Get Connected. Stay Alert.
For more information on Hillsborough County's response to Hurricane Idalia, visit HCFLGov.net/StaySafe and sign up for the HCFL Alert system. Additionally, you can follow Hillsborough County on social media at Facebook; X, formerly known as Twitter; and Nextdoor for updates.
Residents without digital access are encouraged to call 833-HC STORM or 833-427-8676, the County's storm information line, for information on Hurricane Idalia or visit HCFLGov.net/StaySafe.