Tropical system brings flash flooding to Sarasota and Manatee counties

As tropical system Invest90L approaches Florida , heavy rains have produced flash flooding Tuesday night across Sarasota and Manatee counties.

A flash fl ood warning ended at midnight Tuesday for south central Manatee County and northwestern Sarasota County, but a flood watch for the region continues through 8 p.m. Thursday.

Flooding has been reported on the north side of Fruitville Road between Beneva Road and Tuttle Avenue, as well as multiple locations in and around downtown Sarasota.

Sarasota County spokesperson Genevieve Judge said that Public Works team members had responded to 45 calls for flooding as of 8:15 p.m. County officials encouraged the community to avoid flooded areas and monitor local media outlets.

"A weak low pressure centered just offshore of Manatee/Sarasota counties is leading to a corridor of heavier rainfall in Sarasota," said the latest report from the National Weather Service in Ruskin.

The weather service said 5 to 10 inches had fallen and there were "widespread reports of flooding in the area."

More rainfall is expected through the rest of the week and flooding may be possible later this week.

This story is developing. Check back for more updates.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Tropical system brings flash flooding to Sarasota and Manatee counties