Flood Warnings Issued For Alafia, Little Manatee Rivers

RIVERVIEW, FL — The National Weather Service in Tampa has issued a flood warning from July 31 to Aug. 3 for the Alafia River through Lithia and the Little Manatee River through Wimauma.

Due to recent heavy rainfall, the two rivers have begun to rise. With additional rainfall expected, the Alafia and Little Manatee are expected to continue rising and should be in flood stage by Thursday night, according to the NWS.

At 9 a.m. Wednesday, the Little Manatee was at 8.7 feet. Flood stage is 11 feet. the NWS expects the river to rise to near 11.6 feet by Friday morning, causing the river to overflow its banks.

At 9 a.m. Wednesday, the Alafia River was at 9.9 feet. Flood stage is 13 feet. The river is expected to rise to near 14.3 feet by Friday evening, causing minor flooding.

The NWS predicts both rivers will drop back down to below flood stage on Saturday.