A fast-moving line of thunderstorms put inland Tampa Bay on edge Tuesday evening as a severe thunderstorm warning lit up the map for Hardee, DeSoto and Highlands counties. With damaging gusts and pockets of brief hail on the table, FOX 13 chief meteorologist Paul Dellegatto walked viewers through the radar and timing while the storms marched across the region.
Warnings in effect
According to FOX 13 Tampa Bay, the severe thunderstorm warning was scheduled to run until 6:15 p.m. EDT and specifically named DeSoto, Hardee and Highlands counties. The station posted its evening forecast video at 5:28 p.m. EDT and urged viewers to keep an eye on local radar for quick-hitting gusts and heavy downpours as the line moved through.
National Weather Service outlook
The National Weather Service Tampa Bay Area (Ruskin) issued a special weather statement into the early evening and highlighted a marginal risk for scattered severe storms across parts of central Florida, underscoring that while the storms were expected to be short-lived, they could still pack a punch. The TBW office updated its hazards map around 6:02 p.m. EDT as forecasters tracked the cells pressing inland from the Gulf coast.
What to expect and how to stay safe
According to FOX 13 Tampa Bay, Dellegatto cautioned that the storms could bring damaging wind gusts, small hail and bursts of heavy rain that would quickly cut visibility and leave roads slick, recommending that people delay nonessential driving until the line passed. The station’s forecast video also features radar loops and storm timing for those tracking conditions in real time…