Rip Current, High Surf, Coastal Flooding Advisory Issued

TAMPA BAY, FL -- The National Weather Service has issued a weather advisory warning residents about the likelihood of rip currents and high surf at Tampa Bay beaches as well as the possibility of coastal flooding.

The advisory was issued in advance of a severe thunderstorm that is predicted to hit Tampa Bay on Friday before 3 p.m. The weather service said some of the storms may be severe with southwest winds of 13 to 23 mph and gusts as high as 40 mph.

The high surf advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. Friday to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 20. The high rip current risk is in effect from late Thursday night through Sunday morning, April 21, causing life-threatening conditions for swimmers.

Breaking waves up to 5 or 6 feet are expected along area beaches, producing dangerous conditions for beach goers. Venturing into the surf is not recommended.

Some coastal flooding with tides running 1 to 2 feet above normal is anticipated Thursday night through Friday evenings, with some over-wash on coastal roadways possible.