With Tropical Depression 6 forming into Tropical Storm Emily, Tampa and the surrounding Bay Area is now under a Tropical Storm Warning.
The Tropical Storm is about 10 miles off the coast of Pinellas COunty in the Gulf of Mexico. WFLA meteorologists expect TS Emily to make landfall by noon near Anna Maria Island. Local law enforcement officials are warning residents to stay clear of the area.
A Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect for the west coast of Florida from Anclote River to Bonita Beach and includes Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota counties.
A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are likely within the warning area, in this case within the next few hours.
According to the National Hurricane Center, maximum sustained winds are at 45 mph.
Forecast tracks show the depression moving inland over Tampa Bay and central Florida later today and moving offshore early Tuesday.
Tampa residents should expect heavy downpours and possible thunderstorms all day. Gusty winds and heavy rain are the main threat with TS Emily, especially along the I-4 corridor. Temperatures are expected to stay a little below average in the middle to upper 80s.
Residents should also expect a high risk of rip currents with this area of low pressure in the Gulf of Mexico today and an isolated threat of waterspouts/tornadoes.
Florida Governor Rick Scott is monitoring the progression of TS Emily.
“As we know in Florida, storms can quickly develop, bringing severe weather to our state in a moment’s notice. Last night, this storm posed no threat to Florida. Just as with last year’s storms, I encourage Floridians to get prepared and visit FLGetAPlan.com,” said Governor Scott to WFLA.