Tornado Watch Posted For 28 FL Counties, Severe Storms Possible: NWS

FLORIDA — Following the touchdown of two destructive tornadoes in Pinellas and Citrus counties during the early-morning hours Thursday, the National Weather Service is warning residents that there may be more to come. The agency has issued a tornado watch for 28 Florida counties.

A tornado warning for southwestern Pasco County, northwestern Pinellas County and northwestern Hillsborough County was canceled after a water spout was confirmed just offshore near Harbor Bluffs and Clearwater, moving at 40 mph, at 11:35 a.m.

"The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe limits and no longer appears to be capable of producing a tornado," said the NWS. "Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire."

Nevertheless, a tornado watch remains in effect for west-central Florida through 3 p.m. The NWS said gusty winds are still possible with this thunderstorm.

Counties under the watch include: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Citrus, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lafayette, Lake, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Orange, Pasco, Pinellas, Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor and Union.

Strong thunderstorms will affect parts of Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties through 12:45 p.m, the National Weather Service said. Just before noon, radar was tracking a cluster of strong thunderstorms near offshore Pinellas County extending northeast and moving northeast at 40 mph. Wind gusts up to 40 mph and possible funnel clouds are a hazard.

Communities and locations that could be affected include: Tampa, Clearwater, Largo, Pinellas Park, Temple Terrace, Seminole, Lutz, Holiday, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, South Highpoint, Tampa International Airport, Egypt Lake-Leto, Greater Carrollwood, University, Ridgecrest, Bay Pines, Keystone, Greater Northdale, and East Lake.

The National Weather Service in Ruskin has issued a special Marine Warning until 2:15 p.m. for coastal waters from Englewood to Tarpon Springs and Tampa Bay waters from Englewood to Tarpon Springs.

At 12:09 p.m., showers and thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts were located over the coastal waters, moving northeast at 35 knots, the NWS said.

Waterspouts can quickly form and capsize boats, damage vessels, and create suddenly higher waves. Make sure all on board are in a secure location and wearing life jackets. Expect wind gusts in excess of 34 knots, suddenly higher waves, frequent lightning, and heavy downpours, the agency said

Locations impacted include: Terra Ceia Bay, D5 Reef, Manatee Nearshore Reef, Howard Frankland
Bridge, Madeira Beach Reef, Longboat Key, Cockroach Bay, Md1 Reef, M7 Reef, Anna Maria Island, M8 Reef, Pass-A-Grille Channel, Southwest Channel, D6 Reef, M1 Reef, Tampa Bay, Hillsborough Bay, M6 Reef, D1 Reef, and D4 Reef.