Tornado in Tarpon Springs?

As of 9 a.m. in Tarpon Springs, there were no reports of flooding or storm damage caused by Tropical Storm Andrea.

However, after rumors of a tornado touchdown in Tarpon Springs hit social media sites and text messages, the National Weather Service in Ruskin told Patch they had no confirmed reports of a tornado on the ground. 

The National Weather Service in Ruskin did issue a tornado warning for western Pasco and northwestern Pinellas, which included Tarpon Springs. 

According to officials, the best thing for folks to do in the event of a tornado touching down is to find a small, interior room inside a well constructed building. Cars and mobile homes are not safe shelter. Experts added that if no shelter is available to lie flat in a ditch and cover your head with your hands. 

Most businesses in the area are open, but are on alert in case the weather worsens. 

Sandbags are available at a number of Tarpon Springs locations through the City of Tarpon Springs. Click here for the list of pickup spots.

The City of Tarpon Springs urged locals to stay off roads Thursday through a Facebook status update:

"We encourage everyone to avoid driving today if possible. If you are on the road, please be cautious and avoid driving through standing water. We expect between 4-1/2 to 8 inches of rain and a flood watch is in effect until 8 p.m. tonight."

Stay with Tarpon Springs Patch for updates on Tropical Storm Andrea and let your local editor know of any developments in your neighborhood by emailing rachel.jolley@patch.com or calling 727-253-6511.

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