Weather Warnings Go Up Across Tampa Bay Area

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay area residents and visitors are being warned of the potential for strong thunderstorms, coastal flooding and rip currents as a front moves through the Tampa Bay area. According to the national weather service, severe conditions are not expected, but the next few days could give rise to heavy rain, frequent lightning strikes and tides that are 1 to 2 feet above normal.

Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to bring the greatest risk for storms. Forecasters say Tuesday is likely to remain breezy throughout the day with an 80-percent chance of storms during the daytime hours. Storms are likely heading into the overnight hours, as well. Storms on Tuesday are expected to be widespread across the region. Forecasters are warning that some of Tuesday's storms could be strong and may kick up gusty winds in addition to heavy rain.

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Wednesday is expected to shape up with breezy conditions and an 80-percent chance of thunderstorms during the daytime hours. Scattered storms are also expected in the evening hours.

Forecasters expect highs on Tuesday and Wednesday to only reach about 84 degrees in much of the region. Overnight lows are forecast to fall into the mid-70s.

Tuesday brings a risk of coastal flooding with tides expected to rise 1 to 2 feet above normal. Forecasters also say rip current risk is expected to remain high through Wednesday night in coastal areas. Small craft operators are being warned that winds on waters in the Tampa Bay area could reach 25 knots.

Thunderstorm chances remain high through the rest of the week and into the weekend.

While forecasters say organized, severe weather isn’t likely, “any thunderstorms will be capable of frequent lightning and heavy rain,” forecasters warned in Tuesday’s Hazardous Weather Outlook report.

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

Patch file photo