Strong Storms Possible In Afternoon

Posted Nov 30, 2008 by TBO.com

Updated Nov 30, 2008 at 09:10 AM

A squall line moving off the Gulf of Mexico today could bring us some severe thunderstorms, gusty winds, heavy rain in spots and even the small chance of some tornadoes.

The weather service puts the chance of rain at 80 percent from the Nature Coast south through the Tampa Bay area and 60 percent south of Tampa Bay.

The line of storms is marching ahead of an approaching cold front that won’t really lower temperatures that much tonight. But things will still feel raw with the slightly cooler temperatures, wind and lingering moisture.

The weather service says the storms should start showing up around Levy County early this afternoon, then work their way ashore to the south through the rest of the day. They’re going to be moving at a pretty good clip of 40 to 50 mph, so it won’t take that long for the clouds and rain to head down to the Tampa Bay area. The storms could make things a bit uncomfortable in the stands at the Bucs game today.

Even without the thunderstorms, you can expect a windy day with sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph. The weather service issued a lake wind advisory, meaning the wind can create dangerous for boaters on lakes.

The main threat of storms should be past by about sundown. But clouds will linger, as will the possibility of more rain. Actually, the chance of rain should linger through Monday night, though there’s less chance on Monday.