Tropical Disturbance Driving Tampa Bay’s Stormy Weather

TAMPA BAY, FL — Tampa Bay area residents will want to batten down the hatches as heavy rainfall is likely over the next few days. The National Weather Service is keeping a close watch on a tropical disturbance that has formed near the state’s northern Gulf Coast. That system is expected to drive rainy weather into the area through the weekend and into early next week.

The disturbance, which has been given a 30 percent chance of forming more over the next five days, is currently located over the northeastern Gulf. It is an area of cloudiness and thunderstorms associated with a low pressure trough, according to the hurricane center.

“Some gradual development is possible before the system moves inland over the southeastern United States in a couple of days,” the hurricane center warned in its 8 a.m. Saturday Tropical Weather Outlook report.

That system is getting the blame for the rainy conditions the Tampa Bay area will witness through Tuesday at least. Forecasters at the National Weather Service say showers and thunderstorms are likely Saturday and Sunday. Heavy rain is anticipated Sunday night through Tuesday with more rain possible through the week.

Forecasters are warning that rains over the next few days could include “very heavy downpours.” Strong, gusty winds and lightning are also likely. The good news is the daily highs for the Tampa Bay area are not expected to climb past 86 degrees over the next few days.

While the system in the Gulf is creating issues for the Tampa Bay area, it’s not the only one under watch. Another disturbance has cropped up just north of Puerto Rico. That tropical wave currently has a 20 percent chance of forming over the next few days. At present, it poses no threat to Florida.

Meanwhile, the fifth named storm of the season, Tropical Depression Earl, was kicking up winds and dumping rain on Mexico Saturday.

So far this year, the only named storm that created concern for Tampa Bay was Tropical Storm Colin. That storm passed by in early June, dumping lots of water and creating some flooding in the region.

To find out more about hurricane season and storm preparation, read these related Patch stories:

• Hurricane Season 2016: Where To Find Local Information
• 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast Released
• Hurricane Season: How to Prepare
• 2016 Hurricane Names: Is Yours On the List?
• Tampa Bay 'Ripe for Disaster,' Hurricane Experts Say

To keep up with storm activity as the season develops, bookmark the National Hurricane Center’s website and keep an eye on your hometown Patch site for local information.

Graphic courtesy of the National Hurricane Center