The National Weather Service office in Tampa Bay/Ruskin has issued a Flood Warning covering four Florida counties: Citrus, Levy, Marion, and DeSoto. The warning was issued on September 14 at 9:25 PM EDT and means flooding is occurring or is imminent in the affected areas — this is a step beyond a watch, so residents should take it seriously and act now rather than wait.
A Flood Warning is issued when water is already rising on roads, in low-lying areas, or along rivers and streams. Residents in the affected counties may notice water covering roadways, swollen creeks and drainage ditches, and standing water in yards or near homes. Overnight warnings are particularly important to heed because floodwater is much harder to see and judge in the dark.
Anyone in Citrus, Levy, Marion, or DeSoto counties should avoid driving through flooded roads — just six inches of moving water can knock an adult down, and twelve inches can carry away a small car. If you live in a flood-prone spot or near a river or creek, be ready to move to higher ground quickly.
What to Watch For
First, monitor local conditions overnight: water often keeps rising for hours after heavy rain ends. Second, keep phones charged and alerts enabled so you receive any upgraded warnings, such as a Flash Flood Warning, which would indicate a more sudden and dangerous situation. Third, check on neighbors who may need help, and keep a flashlight, water, and essential medications within easy reach in case conditions worsen or power goes out.
Data for this alert comes from the National Weather Service (NWS) Tampa Bay/Ruskin office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do right now if I'm in one of these counties?
Stay off flooded roads — never drive or walk through water of unknown depth, especially at night. If you're in a low-lying area, move to higher ground and keep your phone on for further NWS alerts.
What's the difference between a flood watch and this flood warning?
A watch means flooding is possible; a warning means flooding is happening or imminent in Citrus, Levy, Marion, and DeSoto counties. This is the level where you should act, not just prepare.
Is it safe to drive if the water doesn't look deep?
No. Just 12 inches of moving water can sweep away a car, and floodwater often hides washed-out pavement underneath. Turn around and find another route — this is the leading cause of flood deaths.
How long will this flooding last?
That depends on rainfall and drainage, but river and street flooding can persist for hours after rain stops, and water may continue rising overnight. Keep monitoring NWS updates until the warning is cancelled or expires.
Keep tracking this:
Source: National Weather Service (NWS)
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Sky & Solar Conditions at the Time
Moon: Waxing Crescent (17% illuminated), in Scorpio.
Notable planetary angles: Sun sextile Mars (60°), Jupiter trine Saturn (124°).
Concurrent space weather: planetary Kp index 3.0; strongest recent solar flare: nothing notable.
This is a factual snapshot, not a claim of cause and effect – researchers are divided on whether lunar, planetary or solar factors influence seismic or weather activity. It’s included so readers can track the pattern for themselves over time.
