Hazardous Weather Warnings Go Up In Tampa Bay Area

TAMPA, FL — Tropical Storm Cindy may not be on course to strike the Tampa Bay area directly, but forecasters at the National Weather Service are warning her effects will still be felt.

Forecasters say the region is in for strong storm chances over the next few days. Boaters and beach goers are also being warned Cindy will make conditions on local waters potentially perilous.

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Cindy was upgraded to tropical storm status Tuesday afternoon. The storm was following a projected path that is expected to bring it onshore in Texas or Louisiana late Wednesday or early Thursday. As of Tuesday afternoon, Cindy was in a stationary position in the central Gulf of Mexico. She was packing maximum sustained winds of 45 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Weather service forecasters say there’s a 60 percent chances of thunderstorms and showers in much of the Tampa Bay area during the daytime hours Tuesday. The day’s high is expected to climb into the upper 80s. Storm chances stick around into the evening hours when the low should fall into the mid-70s.

Wednesday is also expected to bring stormy conditions, with a 60 percent chance forecast heading into the late afternoon hours. The day’s temperature is expected to climb to about 90 degrees in much of the region. Showers and thunderstorms are also likely in the overnight hours when the low should only fall into the upper 70s.

Some of the thunderstorms that develop Tuesday and Wednesday could be strong, forecasters noted in Tuesday’s Hazardous Weather Outlook report. Heavy rain, lightning and strong winds are possible with any stronger storms that move through the region, forecasters said.

While storms may pose risks on land, forecasters say the biggest concerns courtesy of the system that may become Cindy are found on and along the water. Forecasters issued a warning that rip current risks along Tampa Bay area beaches would remain high through Wednesday. Beachgoers are being urged to heed warnings from lifeguards and to be mindful of any flags that might be posted.

Boaters will also find the system in the Gulf is expected to make conditions unfavorable for them through Wednesday at least. Forecasters expect sustained winds of up to 25 knots through Tuesday night with higher gusts possible. “The increased winds will generate seas of 6 to 8 feet,” forecasters warned in Tuesday’s report. Increased winds and seas are expected to continue through Wednesday, but Thursday should bring improved conditions on Tampa Bay area waters.

For an extended forecast in your neighborhood, visit your local Patch’s homepage.

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