February 02, 2007
Rain hammers bay area
Heavy storms dumped more than an inch of rain in many areas of Pinellas and Hillsborough County this morning, snarling morning traffic including at three crashes on the Howard Frankland Bridge and one on the Bayside Bridge.
There was no structural damage reported in the area.
Albert Whitted Airport in downtown St. Pete recorded the highest official rainfall with 1 1/2 inches by 7:15 a.m., according to National Weather Service meteorologist Barry Goldsmith.
Just under an inch of rain was reported in Ruskin and and at Tampa International Airport.
Goldsmith said the worst of the rain and thunderstorms have passed, but lighter showers could be expected later today and over the weekend.
No weather-related emergencies were reported in the area but a dispatcher with Pinellas County Emergency Management said calls had been heavier than usual and that there had been several traffic accidents.
The Florida Highway Patrol was also responding to more crashes than usual this morning, according to a dispatcher.
Vehicle crashes were reported at on major roadways throughout the area including Gandy Boulevard, U.S. Hwy. 19, 49th St., Ulmerton Road and East Bay Drive in Pinellas County, and SR 60, US 41 and SR 674 in Hillsborough County. an on the Bayside Bridge, at I-275 northbound and 31st St. S. and at 66th Ave. N. ad 66th St. N.
There were at least four crashes on I-275 through Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, and at least two on I-75 in Hillsborough County.
Crashes were also reported in Zephyrhills, Land O' Lakes, New Port Richey Hudson.