Severe Thunderstorms, Tornado Risk For Tampa Bay, West Central Florida

TAMPA BAY, Florida – The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has issued a Severe Weather Outlook for the Nature Coast and West Central Florida on Sunday, February 16, 2026, indicating a marginal to slight risk of severe thunderstorms Sunday afternoon through evening.

A line of showers and thunderstorms are anticipated across the Florida Peninsula, influenced by a passing cold front moving across the peninsula.

Heavy downpours could lead to localized flash flooding in Levy and northern Citrus counties on Sunday.

Severe Weather Outlook

The National Weather Service (NWS) Tampa Bay has issued a severe weather outlook for Sunday, February 16, 2026, warning of a Level 1 to 2 out of 5 risk for severe storms across the Florida Peninsula, including the Nature Coast and west central Florida.

The potential hazards include gusty to damaging winds as the primary threat, isolated tornadoes, hail, and lightning throughout the afternoon and evening.

The forecast covers areas such as Chiefland, Crystal River, Brooksville, Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota.

The storms will develop as a line moving through the peninsula Sunday afternoon into overnight.