Sea breeze bringing strong thunderstorms ashore

Posted Aug 5, 2009 by TBO.com

Updated Aug 5, 2009 at 10:38 AM

The Gulf sea breeze is pushing a group of thunderstorms toward coastal areas that could bring 25 mph winds and heavy rain to the coastline this morning. Some of the storms could rise to the severe category with 60 mph winds. A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for northern Pinellas. Though it expired, forecasters say strong winds and intense rain remain.

Most of Pinellas could be affected by the storms, that also could last long enough to reach Tampa and Hillsborough.

The storms are moving east or northeast at about 5 mph, meaning they’ll have time to dump a lot of rain if one passes overhead.

The strongest storms are 20 to 40 miles offshore from Pinellas south to Charlotte counties, the weather service says.