Advisories Go Up As Heavy Storms Roll In

As heavy storms make their way through the Tampa Bay area, the National Weather Service is warning residents to be mindful of the conditions around them.

Forecasters say widespread showers and scattered thunderstorms are likely throughout the region Tuesday and may linger throughout Wednesday and into the morning hours Thursday. Some of those storms may be severe in intensity.

“Some strong to severe storms will be possible today with damaging winds and hail the primary hazards,” the service’s Hazardous Weather Outlook report stated Tuesday morning. “In addition, some locally heavy rainfall and dangerous lightning strikes will accompany the storms.”

In light of the heavy storms, forecasters have extended a rip current advisory for Bay area coastal waters until 8 p.m. Wednesday. They’ve also issued a warning for mariners, cautioning of wind gusts up to 33 knots, “locally higher waves, lighting strikes and heavy downpours. Boaters should seek safe harbor immediately until these storms pass.”

See Also:

• Beachgoers Warned of Rip Current Threat
• Bass Pro Shops Brandon Sets Job Fair

As of Tuesday morning, forecasters anticipated the storms would stick around through early Wednesday afternoon with a 50 percent chance of scattered showers predicted in most parts of the Bay. Strong to severe storms are also possible on Wednesday, forecasters warned.

Rain chances drop to about 30 percent in the overnight hours Wednesday and remain in place until Thursday morning.

For a complete look at Tampa Bay area weather, visit the National Weather Service online.

Image via Shutterstock

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