TAMPA, Fla — With storms forecast to roll through the Tampa Bay area on Thursday, you might want to take your phone off silent and be weather-aware.
The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted a chunk of the region — primarily from St. Petersburg to Tampa and points northward — for a slight risk of severe weather. On a scale of one to five, consider the threat a two at this time, with damaging winds, hail and perhaps a waterspout or tornado possible.
Earlier this morning, a tornado watch was issued for Hernando, Hillsborough, Polk, Pinellas, Pasco and Citrus counties. It's in effect through 3 p.m.
In addition to the risk of tornadoes, damaging winds and small hail are possible.
What's a tornado watch, a tornado warning:
Tornado watch: Be prepared! A watch means conditions are right for a tornado to form. A tornado watch means it's possible to see one in and near the area under the watch. This is a good time to review and discuss your emergency plans and check supplies and your safe room.
People who are somewhere a tornado watch has been issued should be ready to act fast if a tornado warning is issued or you think a tornado is approaching.
Tornado warning: Take action now! A tornado warning means one has been indicated by a weather radar or sighted. People should move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. You should avoid windows.
Tornado warnings are issued by the area's local forecast office.
