Strong Storms Possible As Weekend Approaches

TAMPA, FL — Pull out those umbrellas and get ready for a stormy start to the weekend throughout the Tampa Bay area.

According to the National Weather Service, there’s a 90 percent chance of storms in the morning and early afternoon hours Friday in much of the region. Thunderstorms are also likely to develop.

“Some of those storms are likely to be strong with frequent lightning and gusty winds,” the service noted in its Thursday Hazardous Weather Outlook report. And, while wind gusts may climb to 21 mph, forecasters said Thursday the “overall threat for severe weather currently appears low.”

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Friday’s high temperature should reach the 70-degree mark in much of the Bay area with a 30 percent chance of showers remaining into the overnight hours. The low is expected to drop to about 50 degrees.

Saturday kicks off with a 20 percent chance of storms. The day’s high is anticipated to only reach the mid-50s with an overnight low around 40 in much of the Bay. That blast of cold weather may bring freezing temperatures to parts of the Nature Coast, the weather service warned. Boaters and beach goers are also being warned of the potential for high surf, rip currents and gale-force winds as the weekend kicks off.

For your neighborhood’s extended forecast, check out your local Patch’s homepage.

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