The Manatee River near Myakka Head at State Road 64 is above flood stage and expected to stay that way into Wednesday. The river sat at 12.8 feet Tuesday morning, well above the 11-foot flood stage, and forecasters expect it to crest at 12.9 feet Tuesday afternoon before dropping below flood stage late Wednesday morning. That crest level matches a previous high mark of 12.9 feet set on August 14, 1967, which tells you this is a meaningful rise for the river.
On the ground, a private road and bridge about a mile downstream are flooding, and the rural Kibler area is beginning to take on water. If your usual route runs through those low-lying spots, plan an alternate now rather than finding out the hard way. A flood warning also continues for the Alafia River at Lithia in Hillsborough County, so drivers heading north should check conditions before setting out.
The biggest risk in minor river flooding is drivers underestimating water over a roadway. It only takes a foot of moving water to float most vehicles, and roadbeds underneath can be washed out. Turn around, don’t drown, and give yourself a few extra minutes on your commute this week. Have you changed your route because of the high water? Let us know in the comments.
