ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A cold front set to move through the Tampa Bay area on Thursday is likely to bring a line of strong thunderstorms, with some possibly being severe.
This quick-moving line will enter the area primarily from about 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., moving from north to south. The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded the area's severe weather threat from "marginal" to "slight," a level two out of five risk.
The main impacts from stronger storms will be damaging winds, isolated tornadoes, and possibly even some large hail embedded within the line of storms.
Areas along the Nature Coast will see the storms first. The immediate Tampa Bay area and locations south then will experience the bumpy weather later in the morning into the afternoon hours.
Outside of the storms, strong southerly wind gusts of 40-50 mph are forecast as this potent front moves through. A wind advisory goes into effect at 8 a.m. and runs through 8 p.m. Watch out for reduced visibility on the roads, with road spray and hydroplaning being major concerns.
Those winds will cause water to pile up along the coastline — 1-3 feet of coastal flooding is possible from Sarasota County northward into Tampa Bay, with a higher 2-4 foot impact possible from Pasco County northward.
Take a look at a computer-simulated graphic below as to what the line of storms could look like Thursday afternoon:
Make sure to download the free 10 Tampa Bay app for breaking news and weather alerts. This will ensure you have a way to get information if any warnings or watches are issued. From a safe location, you can send in pictures and video of any storm damage you may see using the "Near Me" section in the app.
We will continue to fine-tune the forecast and keep you informed.
Looking ahead to the weekend, weather conditions will rapidly improve by Thursday evening, setting up a beautiful Friday.
