The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay Area Ruskin, FL, reported a series of strong thunderstorms this morning affecting southeastern Sumter, southeastern Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Hillsborough Counties, with the potential to cause wind gusts up to 50 mph, capable of knocking down tree limbs and sending unsecured objects flying; Tampa residents are advised to seek shelter if necessary, as the storms continue their eastward push.
A Special Marine Warning was also issued for Tampa Bay and the adjacent waters, including Coastal waters from Englewood to Tarpon Springs FL out 20 NM and waters stretching 20 to 60 NM offshore, as boaters could face turbulent conditions with wind gusts exceeding 34 knots among higher waves and frequent lightning, particularly around Terra Ceia Bay, Madeira Beach Reef, and the area near Howard Frankland Bridge, even though moving to a safe harbor is recommended, safety measures should be rigorously followed by wearing life jackets on board as storms pass through.
For the land-lubbers, the National Weather Service’s detailed forecast expects the stormy curtain call to end before 2 pm today with humidity standing at a hair-frizzing 94% and a sigh of relief in the form of isolated showers before the night is dotted with clear skies and a low of around 74 degrees. Forecast for the subsequent days hint at a Florida summer staple pattern: daily scattered showers, thunderstorms, partly sunny skies, highs flirting with the 90s, and chances of night precipitation playing a steady 30%…