Tornado Watch Extended Until 11 p.m.
Forecasters say this afternoon’s lull in activity won’t last long.
Photos
Enjoy the sunshine and blue skies found in some parts of the Tampa Bay area this afternoon. Forecasters from the National Weather Service’s Ruskin office say they won’t last long.
“We do have a little break, but looking out over the Gulf (there’s) deeper moisture,” said meteorologist Jon Jelsema. “We do expect rainfall to increase.”
Jelsema also said the tornado watch that was set to expire at 2 p.m. Monday has been extended until 11 p.m. It includes Hillsborough, Sarasota, Pasco, Pinellas and Manatee counties, he added. A watch means that conditions are ripe for tornado development. If a probable tornado has been spotted, the weather service will issue a tornado warning. To keep up with warnings throughout the day, visit the weather service's severe weather summary page.
The entire Tampa Bay area also remains in a Tropical Storm Warning zone as Debby continues to hang out just off the west coast of Florida. A tropical storm warning means that "tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours," according to the weather service.
Jelsema said conditions are expected to deteriorate in the Bay area as the afternoon wears on. Heavy showers and squalls are expected through the night.
“These showers or squalls will produce very gusty winds,” he said, adding that some areas have already seen gusts of between 50 and 60 mph.
In the meantime, the National Hurricane Center has updated its forecasted track for Debby. There has been little change since this morning’s update.
Stay with Patch for updates on Tropical Storm Debby as they become available.
Jeremy T. Simons, Esq.
3:10 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Patch is doing an amazing job covering this storm. We really appreciate the breaking news updates coming to email so I can get a clear picture of how the storm is affecting my neighborhood directly.
DLC
5:11 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Patch certainly is doing a wonderful job of helping us all out.
I am in NH for the Summer and last night asked on Patch if anyone knew if the parking lots at Royal Stewart Arms on Honeymoon Island were flooded.
Within 20 minutes Katie , Patch's Editor I believe, had left her home and drove out to RSA and checked out the conditions for me. She emailed me back that all was fine.
I was able to sleep soundly knowing my car was not floating in St Joseph's Sound.
Alex Arnold
4:37 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
It's doing an okay job, sometimes I feel the reporting isn't all there - M.D Arnold
Keli Sipperley
4:50 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Hi Alex,
What kind of information are you looking for? Would love your feedback so we can dig in deeper where our readers want more. Thanks!
TBL35
5:11 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Compared to other local media which is all but ignoring how bad it is here, I'd say they're doing a great job.
Potter Shaw
9:11 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Having the Patch do what main stream media is/should be doing is unrealistic. Judge them on a standard based on what a local blog is doing and even the News Hour fails miserably. Potter
Jeremy T. Simons, Esq.
9:24 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Potter, while Patch hasn't provided me with hurricane airplane videos, they were kind enough to provide me with a direct update from an editor and blogger on the specific flooding status of my actual office when I couldn't get there to check it out myself. That is AMAZING to me.
Jeffrey Rosenfield
4:43 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Thanks for the support, Jeremy!
Jacque Mioff
5:18 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Yes, terrific job by all of you! You're appreciated.
Ginger Rockey-Johnson
5:22 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
With all the storm stuff, I have a friend who introduced me to an amazing product. I thought it was cool when I saw it, now I think its necessary. Mother Nature has many moods. When her mood turns dark and clouds form, be prepared to read her mind with your ThunderBolt Storm & Lightning Detector! http://tbi-usa.com/
DLC
5:29 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Stop trying to get a free ad.
People are worried about their property and related storm news.
Shame on you.
Ginger Rockey-Johnson
6:08 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Who's trying to get a free ad? It's a cool product that is appropriate. A friend shared it with me a few weeks ago. Never thought about it until Debby
DLC
6:47 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
I stand corrected.
Sorry!
Joshua McClain
5:23 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
How are conditions in new port richy? I'm stuck in upstate new York waiting for this storm to pass, if any one has any info please post ASAP! Thanks Joshua
Jason Bartolone
5:38 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Hi Joshua, this article has the latest updates from Pasco County that may be useful: http://patch.com/A-v4YN
A local state of emergency has been declared in Pasco, which is under a tornado watch until 11 p.m.
Barbara Muscatel
5:25 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
I heard a sink hole opened up on Lake St. George Rd. Any truth to that. We are up north looking for news of Palm Harbor.
Sunde Farquhar
5:55 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Hi Barbara,
I am the Editor of Palm Harbor Patch. There is not a sinkhole on Lake St. George Drive, the road was partially washed out by floodwaters that overwhelmed the drainage system. This is what I was told by the Sr. Utilities Public Works Inspector for Pinellas County. A link to the story is here http://patch.com/A-v46X Please visit http://palmharbor.patch.com for other updates, I have a lot of photos and coverage. Please stay safe and thanks for reading :)
Sandi Gerson Taft
5:31 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Have any flights been canceled or delayed out of TPA? I haven't heard anything , and was there a sink hole? Is the road open on Tampa Rd?
Katie Dolac
5:43 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Barbara and Sandi —
Here is a link to the story about on Palm Harbor Patch about the damage on Tampa Road. I believe it is just the sidewalk, but a road detour is in effect: http://patch.com/A-v46X
As for flight information, I know of someone who left on a flight out of TPA with no problems, but it's best to check with the individual airlines as things can change quickly.
Sunde Farquhar
5:52 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Hi Sandi,
Tampa Rd. is open now, and is totally fine with no problems at all. A road *near* Tampa Rd. was partially washed out. The name of the road is Lake St. George Drive. A link to the story about the damage on Lake St. George Drive is here http://patch.com/A-v46X Stay safe out there!
Joshua McClain
5:34 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
I was told the bloggers got back to you quickly, I thinks it's crazy that I have had no responce :(
Jeremy T. Simons, Esq.
5:38 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
I had a friend tell me that 54 is completely flooded, all six lanes, at around Rowan/Seven Springs intersection. I am sure my office is flooded at 54 and old 54 since it sits a lot lower than 54 and the parking lot flooded this afternoon even before any rains. My road floods near my house, so I can't get out and check.
Alex Tiegen
5:54 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Not so when I was there earlier this afternoon. The Sweetbay parking lot on the northside was partially underwater. Seven Springs Blvd. south of 54 was submerged
TBL35
6:05 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
I peeked over when I was at the light there. If you're talking about something actually ON Old 54, it appeared that the water was all confined to the ditches surrounding the parking lot there. Hopefully your business is OK.
54 is not completely flooded, but it looks like water from Seven Springs (or maybe the river?) is getting out onto 54. Cars on both sides were confining themselves to the innermost lanes, the 2 outermost were several inches deep. The Walgreens parking lot was mostly submerged.
Alex Tiegen
8:30 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
I stand corrected Looks like things are getting worse. The Sheriff's office is going to be shutting down that section of the road
Josie
6:25 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
On our way driving down to our home in Sarasota near The Ringling Museum. Could someone give me news on problems in the neighborhood.
Joshua McClain
6:46 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
I really am impressed with how this site operates it is all about the readers I really am thankful on how quick it was that you responded back! Keep up the great work! I can now fly in peace without worrying about my home
Lorraine Ulen
6:59 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Conditions for NPR here: http://newportrichey.patch.com/
Rob Piorkowski
9:43 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
are manatee and cortez roads closed to anna marie island?
news report said sailboats broke loose and were damaging cortez rd.
wow, hope all are safe over the next few days!
Toni Whitt
10:23 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
I have not heard that either of the causeways are closed. There has been flooding along the Island though, so be careful about where you drive.
Misty B.
10:24 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
No, both Manatee and Cortez are open. However, they recommend you to stay away from AMI. ;)
Sherri Lonon
10:20 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Thanks everyone for these great comments, questions and answers. The Patch team of journalists is working hard to answer as many of your community-specific concerns as we can.
deborah Stasiak
10:27 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
The Brandon Patch is doing a great job keeping all of us informed. I check my e mail on my cell phone for updates on a regular basis. From weather to road conditions you are all covering it well. If I could ask a question it would be great. I have a pool, we are draining it as needed. It is green, should we treat it now or wait until the storm is over? Would appreciate it if anybody has an answer to this question. I am afraid of what is in it (Snakes) and if it will harm the pump if I do. Thanks again for everything!
Lisa Ledwith
11:21 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Thanks to "Everyone" at SRQ Patch! I feel you're al doing a great job! I am so glad I found you! Just remember, your not going to please everyone, but it sure looks to me like your pleasing 99.9% of your reader's, me encluded!
Absolutely thrilled that you cover Sarasota and surrounding area's and in all different area's as well.
"Thank you!!"
Lisa Ledwith
Alisa Henry
12:39 am on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Hi, 9 am tomorrow (Tuesday) I'm driving from Riverview/Brandon area to 4th St N and Central Ave in St. Pete via the Selmon expressway to Gandy Bridge to 4th St N to Central. Is there any flooding or other problems that I should know about?
Jason Bartolone
12:49 am on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Hi Alisa, it looks OK as of right now, although the storm could pick up in the morning. The Selmon and the Gandy Bridge have remained open throughout the storm as far as I know. A lot of the flooding's been on Bayshore Blvd. in South Tampa and along the shoreline in Pinellas. Be careful out there!
Alisa Henry
12:56 am on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Thanks Jason, I really appreciate your quick replay. Now I have a little peace of mind. Great service!
David
1:55 pm on Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Was there a tornado near the SRQ airport? I live on the north side and for about 3-5 minutes the storm got very intense damaging some of my property. Shortly after whatever it was that happened, ambulances went up the street. I am just curious if there was a tornado or what exactly that was. Thanks.
David
1:56 pm on Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Was there a tornado near the SRQ airport on june 25th? I live on the north side and for about 3-5 minutes the storm got very intense damaging some of my property. Shortly after whatever it was that happened, ambulances went up the street. I am just curious if there was a tornado or what exactly that was. Thanks.
Toni Whitt
2:07 pm on Tuesday, July 3, 2012
There were no tornado reported on June 25. There were high wind gusts from Tropical Storm Debby -- there was some damage to areas around town, but not a lot. If you know of specific damage Manatee County Emergency Management is trying to collect data on all of the damage around the county.