Strong Winds, ‘Torrential Rain’ Possible in Westchase Area

Westchase residents who found themselves taken aback by Wednesday’s strong storms might want to brace for more of the same.

The National Weather Service in Ruskin says similar storms are possible both Thursday and Friday.

The storms on Wednesday, July 17 had winds strong enough to indicate they were in the 70 mph range, according to meteorologist Andrew McKaughan. The highest recorded wind gust in the storms that blew through came out of Northwest Hillsborough County and registered at 57 mph, he added.

Those winds, he said, can be rather dangerous as indicated by the damage wreaked at a Plant City mobile home park where first responders initially thought a tornado had passed through.

While the felled trees and decimated home may have given the indication that a tornado was to blame, McKaughan says that wasn’t the case.

“(It was) just wind damage in the Plant City area,” he said.

Those kinds of winds and heavy rains are also possible again Thursday and Friday, McKaughan noted. The weather service has issued a hazardous weather outlook report for the entire Tampa Bay area that warns that scattered storms should develop in the late morning hours and may become increasingly numerous in the afternoon hours.

“Some storms could be strong with wind gusts near 50 mph,” the report says. “All storms will be capable of producing frequent, deadly cloud to ground lightning and torrential rain causing ponding on roadways.”

McKaughan said the recent heavy afternoon storms serve as a reminder that Florida weather can turn on a dime.

A “typical summer storm” can quickly become much more as evidenced Wednesday.

“Every storm is unique,” he said. “It’s almost always a possibility this time of year to see strong thunderstorms like that. It’s the right ingredient at the right time.”

Rain chances Thursday are in the 70 percent range. They are forecast for about 50 percent on Friday.

For a complete look at Westchase area weather, visit the National Weather Service online.

Westchase Patch is your place to turn when Florida’s weather turns less than friendly. You can catch up on the latest forecast here and even share what’s happening on your street on our boards. Just post your weather photos, storm-related closings and more right to the site to connect with your neighbors right away.