Storms, Flooding Risk on Tap for Tampa Bay’s Weekend

Tampa Bay, FL — Tampa Bay area residents with big outdoor plans this weekend may want to keep an eye on the sky.

According to the National Weather Service, afternoon and evening storms are strong possibilities throughout the weekend. While organized, severe weather isn’t anticipated, forecasters do warn that some of the weekend’s storms may prove to be slow moving. That means they could leave between 1-2 inches of water in their wake.

“The heavy rainfall may cause some minor flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas as well as ponding of water on roadways,” forecasters warned in Friday’s Hazardous Weather Outlook report. “Motorists should slow down and exercise caution if encountering heavy rain today (Friday).”

Thunderstorms that develop are also possible of producing strong, gusty winds, small hail and plenty of lighting. Residents are reminded to move indoors if threatening weather approaches.

Friday kicks things off with partly sunny conditions and a high around 92 anticipated in much of the Tampa Bay area. The heat index could climb beyond 100 degrees. Scattered storm chances move into the picture in the afternoon hours and linger at about 40 percent through the overnight hours when the low should drop into the mid-70s.

Saturday is expected to begin with mostly sunny conditions and a high in the low 90s. Rain chances start out at 20 percent, but climb to 40 percent in the evening hours. The overnight low is expected to drop into the mid-70s once again.

Sunday is anticipated to bring mostly sunny conditions at the start of the day with a high in the low 90s. A 50 percent chance of scattered thunderstorms creeps into the picture as the day progresses and remains strong overnight. The low is expected to drop into the upper 70s.

Monday ushers in the workweek with no anticipated break from thunderstorm chances in the cards. Forecasters say there’s a 60 percent chance of thunderstorms during the day and early evening hours. The day’s high should climb to the low 90s. Rain chances are also in the cards for Tuesday.

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

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