In a weather alert earlier today Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center officials announced that numerous thunderstorms are expected to develop today as a tropical wave of low pressure lifts northward through the area.
The thunderstorms will mainly occur during this afternoon, Monday, July 23, and early evening hours, with generally rain free conditions expected overnight.
Drier conditions are then expected for the rest of the week and into the upcoming weekend, with isolated or widely scattered afternoon and early evening showers and thunderstorms expected to develop each day.
IMPACTS
* Thunderstorms:
Expect numerous thunderstorms, primarily between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Some storms could be strong and capable of producing wind gusts of 45 to 55 mph.
Frequent to Excessive cloud-to-ground lightning can be expected.
* Localized Flooding:
Heavy rain could result in minor flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas.
Additionally, reduced visibilities in torrential downpours could make driving difficult.
* Sandbags:
Sandbags are available at the maintenance units until 5 p.m. The locations are:
West Service Unit – 9805 Sheldon Road
South Service Unit – 8718 Old Big Bend Road
East Service Unit – 4702 Sydney Road
Filled sandbags will be available to the elderly/disabled.
Sandbag materials will be available to those physically able to make their own.
Each citizen will sign their name and provide their home address acknowledging the receipt of 25 sandbags or less.
Citizens also can call 635-5400 to report problems or request additional information.
* Marine – Tampa Bay:
Today: Southeast winds 10 knots, becoming South in the afternoon. Bay waters a light chop. Numerous thunderstorms, mainly in the afternoon.
Tonight: South winds 5 to 10 knots, becoming Southeast 5 knots or less after midnight. Bay waters smooth.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms in the evening, then isolated showers and thunderstorms after midnight.
