Severe Weather Possible In Tampa Bay As Front Moves In

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay area residents may want to keep an eye on the forecast as a cold front moves into the region, bringing with it the potential for isolated serve thunderstorms, gusty winds and tornadoes.

According to the National Weather Service, conditions are expected to start deteriorating in the afternoon and evening hours Tuesday with a 20 percent chance of showers forecast. The day’s high is anticipated to reach the upper 70s in much of the Bay area with a low in the mid-60s.

While storm chances are relatively slight on Tuesday, Wednesday is expected to deliver a 70 percent chance of storms as the front moves through. Rain chances remain strong throughout the day and into the evening hours, as well. The high is expected to climb to the mid-70s with a low in the lower 50s in much of the region.

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The front that’s pushing through the region is expected to bring “scattered strong to isolated severe thunderstorms” to the region, according to the weather service’s Hazardous Weather Outlook report issued on Tuesday. The highest risk for severe storms is found along and north of the Interstate 4 corridor, forecasters say, but “all areas are at risk.” The primary threats are anticipated to be wind gusts and tornadoes.

Boaters are also being warned that wind speeds on the water may reach about 33 knots and possible gale force winds may materialize after midnight Tuesday.

Once the storms move out, forecasters say the Tampa Bay area is in for much cooler temperatures. Possible near-freezing conditions may be experienced heading into the weekend along the Nature Coast. Thursday’s high in Tampa is forecast to only reach the mid-60s with a low in the upper 40s. Overnight lows in Tampa are expected to fall into the lower 40s Friday and Saturday nights.

For an extended forecast for your neighborhood, visit your local Patch’s homepage.

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