Alafia River's rising waters prompt flood warning

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After a rainy weekend in the Tampa Bay area, water levels rose Sunday night, with the Alafia River cresting over 13 feet by Monday morning.

According the National Weather Service, once the water level reaches 13 feet, that puts the river in flood stage. The river crested past the flooding stage early Monday morning at 13.5 feet high. It may rise even more throughout the day, according to the National Weather Service. 

It's the first time in 40 years that the river crested that high in May. The river usually crests in the fall during the rainy season. The rising river levels are now threatening homes in Lithia along River Avenue and Squirrel Run Way.

The NWS predicts the water levels will fall back to 7 feet by this weekend.

Residents in the area say they're used to the flooding, but are taking precautions.