Tornado Watch Issued for Pinellas, Hillsborough Counties

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for Pinellas and Hillsborough counties until 8 p.m. Thursday, April 4. 

Other counties included in the watch are Sarasota, Desoto, Charlotte and Manatee.

The Weather Service also issued a special statement about strong thunderstorms in the area. "Gusty winds of 35 to 45 mph will occur," the weather service reported. "Torrential rains will reduce visibility to near zero and will cause ponding of water on roadways."

Thursday's storms also bring the risk of "damaging winds, hail, isolated tornadoes and frequent dangerous lightning strikes," the weather service said. 

According to the National Weather Service, winds will increase the small craft advisory level and remain elevated through Friday evening behind a cold front that is forecast to move through the area.

Seas will be up to 6 feet or higher at times.