TAMPA, Fla. — Tornado warnings earlier in effect for parts of Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties have either expired or been canceled.
There have been no reports of damage received so far.
Scroll below for complete coverage of Thursday's severe weather event.
A tornado watch is in effect for six counties in the Tampa Bay area until 3 p.m. Thursday ahead of a line of strong thunderstorms.
Hernando, Hillsborough, Polk, Pinellas, Pasco and Citrus counties are at risk for isolated tornadoes, according to the Storm Prediction Center. Scattered damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph are possible, as well.
This quick-moving line will enter the area primarily from about 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., moving from north to south. The area's severe weather threat was recently upgraded 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 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.
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.
