Special Weather Statement For Tampa Bay Region

 

TAMPA, Florida - The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay Area Ruskin, Florida, issued a special weather statement for several counties in the region. 

Strong thunderstorms are forecasted to impact Eastern Sumter, Eastern Pasco, Southeastern Hernando, Northwestern Hardee, Manatee, Southeastern Pinellas, Western Polk, Hillsborough, and Northwestern Sarasota Counties until 12:45 PM EDT.

Doppler radar detected strong thunderstorms along a line from near Mascotte to Zephyrhills West to near Parrish to South Bradenton, moving southeast at 30 mph.

These storms are expected to bring wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and pea-sized hail. Gusty winds could potentially knock down tree limbs and cause minor damage to unsecured objects, while hail may result in minor damage to vegetation.

Locations likely to be impacted include Tampa, Lakeland, Sarasota, Bradenton, Plant City, Winter Haven, Temple Terrace, Bartow, Auburndale, Zephyrhills, Palmetto, Wildwood, Dade City, Bushnell, Downtown Saint Petersburg, Fort Desoto Park, Fish Hawk, Saint Petersburg, Brandon, and Lutz.

Residents in the affected areas are advised to take precautionary measures. If outdoors, seek shelter inside a building immediately.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1:00 PM EDT for central and west central Florida.