National Weather Service warns of heavy storms

The National Weather Service has issued a short-term forecast statement for Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough coutines, warning of a line of thunderstorms stretching along the gulf coast from Cedar Key to Venice and Punta Gorda. The statement warns of heavy rain, strong gusty winds to 35 mph and dangerous lightning. The showers and thunderstorms are moving southwest at approximately 15 mph, and are expected to remain along the coast until 7 p.m.

Earlier this evening, rainfall rates were measured at two inches per hour from thunderstorms over western Pasco and northern Pinellas counties, and the National Weather Service issued an urban flooding advisory, indicating that flooding of intersections and low-lying roads is likely. Leave extra time for your commute, and remember, it is always unsafe to drive your vehicle into areas where water covers the road.