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Heavy rains approaching Tampa Bay. The worst should be over by 9.

 
An unnamed pedestrian crosses E Adamo Drive in Tampa as motorists navigate the wet roads on Friday. A strong cold front is forecasted to bring rainy weather and high winds to the Tampa Bay area.  [LUIS SANTANA   |   Times]
An unnamed pedestrian crosses E Adamo Drive in Tampa as motorists navigate the wet roads on Friday. A strong cold front is forecasted to bring rainy weather and high winds to the Tampa Bay area. [LUIS SANTANA | Times]
Published Dec. 14, 2018

A squall line is about to roll over the Tampa Bay region on Friday evening, bringing with it heavy rain showers until about 9 p.m.

The showers extended from Brooksville southwest into the Gulf of Mexico. The storms just outside Clearwater as of 6 p.m. The region will remain under a severe thunderstorm watch until about 10 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Heavy rainfall will also increase the potential for urban flooding and may create some travel hazards. Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties are under a flood watch until 10 p.m., and most of the region is forecast to receive 2-3 inches of rain — with higher totals possible in some areas.

Then once those storms pass by, expect light rain to follow behind it. All that rainy weather should clear up by midnight.

Temperatures will fall to the mid 60s, so dress to stay warm and dry.

Expect more rain Saturday morning. But by noon the skies should clear up. Expect sunny skies and temperatures in the lows 70s. Sunday will see a repeat of that, but with a bit more clouds overhead.

The threat of Friday's late storms already prompted the postponement of Treasure Island's boat parade until Sunday, along with canceling the Jingle Bell Run. In addition, Pasco and Hernando counties announced they have canceled all outdoor after-school athletic activities.

Those storms, forecasters said, could produce powerful downpours, gusty winds, dangerous lightning, and possible tornadoes and waterspouts.

The next best chance of rain will be Thursday.

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