News of the Nature Coast of Florida

Citrus County on Wednesday dodged a weather bullet, but the same front that tore through the county is coming back from the south on Friday.

A check with the county's emergency management office showed no significant incidents of damage or flooding reported on the county's west side on Wednesday.

Wind speeds during the Wednesday night to Thursday morning period are estimated to have reached 40 mph, the National Service said today. Local and Tampa Bay-area news media stationed themselves in the Crystal River and Homosassa as the storm blew through, both low points in the county's topography. Fortunately, there was nothing significant to report.

Even though no damage or flooding was reported, county emergency management officials said today that severe weather patterns are unpredictable, and what may have been minor one time could very well have a different outcome with the appearance of the next storm system.

This afternoon, the National Weather Service issued a flood watch, this one for Friday into Saturday afternoon. Cities affected by the watch include Crystal River, Inverness, Bushnell, The Villages, Brooksville, Spring Hill, New Port Richey, Zephyrhills, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Brandon, Tampa, Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bradenton, Wauchula, Sarasota, Venice and Arcadia.

A widespread area of from 2 to 4 inches of rain is expected to fall as an area of low pressure develops along the stalled frontal boundary across South Florida and lifts over the area through Saturday afternoon. Localized amounts of from 4 to 6 inches will be possible, the weather service said.

Possible flooding of streets and urban areas is likely, and a significant rise in creeks and streams and rivers is also possible. Citrus County residents are encouraged to take necessary measures to protect property before the front arrives to lessen any impact caused by potential flooding.

A flood watch means that flooding is possible during the next 24 to 36 hours. Residents living in flood-prone areas should take action to protect property.

The sandbag locations that were opened on Wednesday in Crystal River and Homosassa will not be open for residents for the coming storm, however. County officials said today they believe it will not have the same potential impact on the area, although there may be some localized flooding.