Tropical Storm Watch Goes Up in Tampa Bay Area as Hurricane Matthew Approaches

SARASOTA, FL — Florida’s west coast from the Suwanee River south to Chokoloskee was placed under a tropical storm watch Wednesday evening following a westward shift in Hurricane Matthew’s potential path. The advisory includes the entire Tampa Bay area.

A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within a designated area within 48 hours. As of Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 5 p.m., the watch area included such Tampa Bay area and west coast counties as Sarasota, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Polk and Pinellas.

Hurricane Matthew, a strong Category 3 storm, was packing maximum sustained winds of 120 mph Wednesday evening. On its current projected path, the storm is anticipated to arrive off Florida's east coast at some point on Thursday.

Hurricane Matthew was located about 205 miles south-southeast of Nassau as of the hurricane center's 5 p.m. Oct. 5 update. The storm was moving northwest at 12 mph.

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Matthew's turn to the northwest is expected to continue for the next 24 to 48 hours. As of Wednesday afternoon, forecasters anticipated Matthew’s strength could increase again over the next few days. "Matthew is expected to remain at Category 3 or stronger while it moves through the Bahamas and approaches the east coast of Florida," the update noted.

Hurricane-force winds were extending out from Matthew by 45 miles. Tropical storm-force winds extended out up to 175 miles.

With a large portion of Florida in Matthew’s possible projected path, Gov. Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency for all counties as the dangerous storm draws closer. Scott also announced a partial activation of the Florida National Guard in advance of the storm.

Projections for Matthew's path after its anticipated run-in with Florida include a trek through South Carolina and possibly North Carolina. The storm may then spin back south by Monday.

To find out more about hurricane season and storm preparation, read these related Patch stories:

• Hurricane Season 2016: Where To Find Local Information
• 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season’s Peak is Now
• 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast Released
• Hurricane Season: How to Prepare
• 2016 Hurricane Names: Is Yours On the List?
• Tampa Bay 'Ripe for Disaster,' Hurricane Experts Say

To keep up with storm activity as the season develops, bookmark the National Hurricane Center’s website, and keep an eye on your hometown Patch site for local information.

Graphics courtesy of the National Hurricane Center