Tornadoes, Thunderstorms Possible As System Moves Across Tampa Bay

TAMPA, FL — Folks in the Tampa Bay area are being advised to keep an eye on the sky Wednesday as a low pressure system moves across the region. That system is expected to bring rain, thunderstorms and the potential for strong winds and isolated tornadoes along with it.

In its Tuesday Hazardous Weather Outlook report, the National Weather Service said the system is expected to arrive during the day on Wednesday and may stick around into the nighttime hours. Some of the thunderstorms the system kicks up could create strong winds, hail, frequent lightning and isolated tornadoes, the report warned. Forecasters anticipate sustained winds of 20 mph to 25 mph starting during the late morning hours Wednesday with higher gusts possible.

Conditions on local waters are also expected to be hazardous. Small craft advisory level winds and seas are possible from the late morning hours Wednesday until late Wednesday night, forecasters warned.

The system is expected to clear the area by Thursday morning. Forecasters say that day should shape up to be a nice one with sunny conditions and a high in the upper 60s forecast. The overnight low could drop into the upper 40s.

Friday is also expected to kick off with nice conditions, but forecasters warn another “round of showers and thunderstorms is expected to cross the region on Saturday.” Storm chances return to the forecast in the evening hours Friday ahead of Saturday's likely rainy weather.

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

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