Tampa Bay, Florida – Drivers, boaters, and beachgoers across West Central Florida could face hazardous conditions as a strong cold front pushes through the region overnight into Thursday morning, bringing showers, gusty winds, and a sharp drop in temperatures.
According to the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay, the front will move across the area tonight through Thursday morning with scattered showers, followed by breezy northwest winds and noticeably cooler air. Rainfall totals are expected to range from around a tenth to a quarter inch, with localized higher amounts possible, mainly from the Nature Coast south through the Interstate 4 corridor.
Marine conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect from Thursday morning through Friday morning due to increasing winds and rough seas. Beachgoers should also be aware that a high risk of rip currents is expected at area beaches through Friday night.
Colder air behind the front raises additional concerns inland. A Freeze Watch is in effect for inland Levy and Citrus counties along the Nature Coast for Friday morning, where temperatures could drop low enough to threaten sensitive plants and outdoor plumbing.
Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, avoid non-essential boating, and use caution near the water. Additional advisories or warnings may be issued as colder air settles in through the end of the week.
