
Christy Hatcher checks on her neighborhood as high winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate the area on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area.
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)It could've been much worse. Debby was just a Tropical Storm when she passed us dozens of miles off the coast. But she still drenched coastal areas with some serious rainfall. Various media outlets are now sharing the data on who got the most rain in the Tampa area thanks to Tropical Storm and now Hurricane Debby.

<em>A flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby this morning in Cedar Key. </em>
Jason Adams from ABC Action News shared on social media this morning that 11.06 inches of rain fell at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. He says that's a new record breaking the one set back in 1945! But did Bradenton get hit the hardest? No. Not even close.
There was rain in the area as I landed right before lunchtime at Tampa International. But it was nothing like the downpours we'd see in the afternoon and the bands that passed through overnight. So who got hit the hardest? Take a look. These are the final numbers as to who got the most rain in the Tampa area according to Bay News 9.
Across the area, it looks like Lakewood Ranch turned into a lake with over 16 INCHES of rainfall. Parrish got quite a soaking too with almost 14 inches of rain. I'm surprised St. Pete was closer to the bottom of this list. But it looks like it was Lakewood Ranch that had the most rain in the Tampa area thanks to Debby's visit.
As for Pasco County, Bay News 9 reports that Elfers checked in with 11.11 inches of rain, followed by Port Richey with 10.54. New Port Richey measured a hair of 9 inches of rain with Wesley Chapel coming in at 8-1/2 inches.
As for Hillsborough County, it appears Sun City Center... wasn't so sunny. They were the ones that recorded over 11 inches of rain. Here are some other totals for rain in the Tampa area.
Not surprisingly Pinellas had some pretty high numbers too. I watched live video last night as roads were completely flooded near the Gulfport Casino. But they apparently only recorded about 8 inches of rain. Pinellas Park lead the way with over a foot of rain!
Rain in the Tampa area... over? No.
For the rest of the week, we'll be back to the usual Florida weather with hot humid conditions. There'll be some sun but those typical afternoon pop up showers thunder and lightning will be with us. So the rain from Debby might be ending but it'll be a wet week. Temperatures all week will hover right around 90.
If it makes you feel any better, I spent some of the weekend up in Boston where I expected to catch a break from the heat. Not so much. It was hot and humid and around 90 there too. How'd you do in your area? Share any photos or video you captured with me @GenoRadio.
As any major storm passes through Tampa Bay or Florida, it's important to remember safe ways to recover from a hurricane. After the worst is over, it still may be advised to stay in shelter as you are unaware of road conditions. If you have evacuated your home, it is best to stay in your shelter as you may not be able to access or have power at your house.
You've made it through the wind and the rain. Notoriously, there's debris and streets are flooded. You're initial instincts are probably to go outside to take a look at the damage, but that is when most injuries, and unfortunately, deaths take place. From fallen powerline and generator injuries, to car accidents from flooded streets, these are just a few reasons why after a storm is just as dangerous.
What is storm surge?
Storm surge happens when hurricanes start to churn along the coast. The NOAA explains that storm surge is produced by water being pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds moving cyclonically.

Storm surge can be one of the most dangerous aspects of the a hurricane. In the past, large death tolls have resulted from the rise of the ocean associated with many of the major hurricanes. Just last year, Fort Myers Beach saw at least 13.8 feet of storm surge after Hurricane Ian.
With the help of the CDC website, we made a list of important safety tips to recover from a hurricane.
When It's Safe, Inspect Your Home
If you've evacuated before the storm, it's advised by the National Weather Service to come back to inspect your home only when officials say it is safe. If you stayed in place, be sure to wear protective gear (gloves, waterproof boots, hard hats/helmets).
If your power is out, use flashlights instead of candles.
Stay inside for as long as you can and only drive if necessary. Sometimes flooding of streets can be misleading and it's easy for your car to flood. If you must go out, watch for fallen objects in the road, downed electrical wires, and weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks that might collapse.
Be sure to report any loses or damage as soon as possible. It's always a good idea to take photos of any damage as you see it. As soon as it's available, have your home inspected by a licensed contractor.
Start the process by airing out your home and throwing out any wet items that won’t dry quickly, like mattresses, couches and books. If mold has already started to grow, clean it up with a mixture of bleach and water.
Generator Safety
According to the National Weather Service, carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of death after storms in areas dealing with power outages. Review these quick powering and operating your generator safety tips from ABC Action News.
Should You Flush Your Toilet?

(Photo Illustration by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
It's a question on a lot of people's minds after a hurricane, "can I flush my toilet?" Well the answer is it depends on the condition of your environment. According to WFLA, sewer systems can become filled and rainwater floods into the streets, so flushing should be avoided.
Be Cautious Of What's In Your Fridge

Keep you fridge closed for as long as possible. It's advised from the FDA to not eat food from your refrigerator if its temperature has risen above 40° F for two hours or longer.
If a thermometer has not been kept in the freezer, check each package of food to determine its safety. If the food or packaging still contains ice crystals or is 40 °F or below, it is safe to refreeze or cook.
Refrigerated food should be safe as long as the power was not out for more than four hours and the refrigerator door was kept shut. Discard any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs or leftovers) that has been above 40°F for two hours or more.
If you are in need, you can go to feedingtampabay.org to find a pantry or distribution site near you.
Protect Yourself From Disaster Scams

Unfortunately, during and after a storm, scammers try to take advantage of those most vulnerable. According to The Tampa Bay Times, even some Tampa residents have reported a "bad con" that's been played before. Bad actors purporting to be the electric utility emailing and texting customers and telling them if they don’t pay their bill right now. their power will be cut off. Links to make payments are often included.
Tampa Electric Co. spokesperson Cherie Jacobs stated "these emails and phone calls are not from us, these are scammers trying to get your money."
If you have concerns with your account during the storm, go to tecoaccount.com, or your electricity providers website.
Support Your Mental Health
Emotions often run high after a disaster, so physical tasks can tire you out more quickly than usual. Be careful not to over-exert yourself. Also remember that emotional healing takes time - if you have lost something or someone, counseling could be a good option for you and/or your family.