Special Marine Warning Issued for Tampa Bay and Surrounding Coastal Waters
The National Weather Service has issued a Special Marine Warning for Tampa Bay and adjacent coastal and offshore waters following radar detection of severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts.
The National Weather Service in Ruskin issued the alert late on October 9, effective until 12:30 AM EDT on October 10. The warning covers Tampa Bay waters, coastal waters from Englewood to Tarpon Springs and Tarpon Springs to Suwannee River out to 20 nautical miles, as well as offshore waters from 20 to 60 nautical miles out.
At 11:36 PM EDT, radar indicated a line of severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts extending from the Suwannee River to 6 nautical miles west of Bayport and 18 nautical miles southwest of Anna Maria. The storm system was moving northeast at 35 knots.
Hazards associated with the warning include wind gusts of 34 knots or greater, suddenly higher waves, frequent lightning, and heavy downpours. Waterspouts can quickly form and capsize boats, damage vessels, and create suddenly higher waves.
Impacted locations include the Howard Frankland Bridge, Anna Maria Island, Tampa Bay, Crystal River, and numerous other coastal reefs, beaches, and causeways in the region.