National Weather Service Predicts Strong Thunderstorms Friday

TAMPA BAY, FL -- Severe thunderstorms could put a damper on outdoor holiday festivities Friday night.

The National Weather Service has issued a severe weather alert for Friday afternoon and evening due to the potential for a few strong to severe thunderstorms across west-central Florida.

According to the NWS, a cold front approaching the Florida peninsula will be preceded by a round or two of showers and thunderstorms moving ashore from the Gulf of Mexico. According to the NWS, conditions appear favorable on Friday to support a few of the thunderstorms becoming severe.

"Although a widespread severe weather outbreak is not anticipated at this time, any severe storms that do occur will be capable of producing localized damaging winds and even an isolated tornado," said the NWS. "In addition to the severe weather threat, the progress of the cold front is expected to be slow, allowing for localized heavier rainfall totals. The heavy rainfall threat will increase if it occurs over urbanized areas during the late afternoon rush hour."

The severe weather and heavy rainfall threat will begin north of the Interstate 4 corridor during the morning hours and then progress slowly south and east through the day, reaching the Tampa Bay area during the middle afternoon to early evening hours.

The severe weather threat is currently expected to decrease during the late evening, as the thunderstorms progress toward the Fort Myers region. However, the potential for heavy rainfall, lightning strikes and gusty winds should continue.

Residents of west-central Florida should monitor weather conditions on Friday and be prepared to take action should warnings be issued.

Image via Duke Energy

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