Thunderstorms, Tornado Risk For Tampa Bay, Southwest Florida

TAMPA BAY, Florida – The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk (Level 2 out of 5) of severe thunderstorms for the Nature Coast and a Marginal Risk across portions of west central Florida on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

A band of showers and thunderstorms will push across the area this afternoon and evening, with strong to severe thunderstorms possible, particularly across the Nature Coast.

Severe Weather Outlook

The National Weather Service (NWS) Tampa Bay has issued a severe weather outlook for Saturday, May 2, 2026, warning of a slight risk (level 2 out of 5) for severe storms across the Nature Coast and a marginal risk across portions of west central Florida, including the Tampa Bay region.

The potential hazards include gusty/damaging winds, large damaging hail, isolated tornadoes, along with lightning and heavy rainfall.

The forecast covers areas such as Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and northward to the Nature Coast. Highest threat across the Nature Coast and west central Florida.

Thunderstorms are expected during the afternoon and evening hours. A band of showers and thunderstorms will move across the region this afternoon into the evening.