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Questions and answers about Tropical Storm Hermine

 
Five-year-old Ariel Callahan and her grandmother, Kelly Smith, navigate the water outside of Anona Elementary on Wednesday.
Five-year-old Ariel Callahan and her grandmother, Kelly Smith, navigate the water outside of Anona Elementary on Wednesday.
Published Sept. 1, 2016

How much longer will it keep raining?

The Tampa Bay area will likely see continuous rainfall throughout today, said Nicole Carlisle, a forecaster with the National Weather Service. The rain will likely start to taper off by Friday morning, "but that's not to say it's going to be dry," Carlisle said.

"It just won't be quite as continuous," she said.

Which areas are getting the most rain so far?

As of Wednesday evening, Pinellas County had seen the most rain by far, and that trend will likely continue throughout the storm. By 5 p.m., the National Weather Service recorded 9.84 inches of rainfall in Largo, 7.03 inches in Seminole and 6.57 inches in Gulfport. Tampa International Airport, by comparison, recorded 2.76 inches of rain by 5 p.m. and Albert Whitted Airport in St. Petersburg recorded 3.26 inches.

Who is closing down for the storm?

Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando schools will be closed Thursday, but most Pasco and Hernando government offices will remain open. All Pinellas and Hillsborough county government offices will be closed Thursday, as will City of Dunedin offices. All University of South Florida and Pasco-Hernando State College campuses will close Thursday, with normal classes expected to resume Friday. As of Wednesday night, no changes had been made to trash collection schedules, weather permitting.

How can I tell if water is too deep to drive through?

"If you have to question it, it is too deep so don't try it," said Sgt. Steve Gaskins, spokesman for Florida Highway Patrol. A small amount of water, even a few inches, can take a car off the road, Gaskins said. Water also can wash out a roadway with amazing speed.

How do you really pronounce Hermine?

"You don't pronounce it like Hermione in Harry Potter," Carlisle said. It's actually pronounced her-meen.

Compiled by staff writers Anastasia Dawson and Tony Marrero.