ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A severe thunderstorm watch was in effect for parts of the Tampa Bay region for the threat of damaging winds and, perhaps, a tornado.
That included DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands and Polk counties through 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms developed across the area in the afternoon. With the ingredients in place, a few of these storms turned strong to severe.
UPDATES:
3:30 p.m.: Stormy-looking skies suddenly turned more ominous as a brief tornado moved through Wednesday afternoon.
3 p.m.: The severe thunderstorm warning for Polk County has been allowed to expire.
2:42 p.m.: The severe thunderstorm warning for central Polk County has been extended to 3 p.m. The 10 Tampa Bay Weather team says the storm has intensified, bringing the threat of quarter-sized hail and damaging winds.
2:31 p.m.: A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect until 2:45 p.m. for central Polk County due to the risk of damaging winds and large hail.
What:
All types of severe weather will be possible, but damaging winds will be the biggest threat. Some large hail and an isolated tornado can't be ruled out. Expect heavy downpours and frequent to also accompany these storms.
When:
Severe storms will be possible now until this evening. Once the sun goes down, storms will slowly weaken and move east.
Where:
The entire area is under a marginal or slight risk for severe weather. The greatest risk will be toward Polk County and farther to the northeast.
