Tropical Depression Four to Impact West Central and Southwest Florida

Photo byNational Weather Service

NWS Issues Tropical Storm and Storm Surge Warnings

Tampa Bay, FL – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Tampa Bay/Ruskin has issued warnings and advisories for West Central and Southwest Florida due to Tropical Depression Four. Residents should prepare for potential impacts beginning late Saturday night and continuing through Sunday.

Current Situation

• Location: Approximately 390 miles south-southeast of Fort Myers, FL
• Coordinates: 21.4N 79.7W
• Intensity: 30 mph winds
• Movement: West-northwest at 17 mph

Tropical Depression Four is currently south of central Cuba and is expected to move into the southeast Gulf of Mexico on Saturday, turning northward. Tropical storm development is anticipated by Saturday night, bringing potential significant impacts to the region.

Watches and Warnings

• Tropical Storm Warning: Coastal Lee
• Storm Surge Watch and Tropical Storm Watch: Coastal Charlotte, Coastal Citrus, Coastal Hernando, Coastal Hillsborough, Coastal Levy, Coastal Manatee, Coastal Pasco, Coastal Sarasota, Pinellas
• Tropical Storm Watch: DeSoto, Hardee, Inland Charlotte, Inland Citrus, Inland Hernando, Inland Hillsborough, Inland Lee, Inland Levy, Inland Manatee, Inland Pasco, Inland Sarasota, Polk, Sumter

Potential Impacts

Flooding Rain

Significant rainfall could lead to dangerous flooding, especially in low-lying and poorly drained areas. Key impacts include:

• Moderate rainfall flooding: May prompt several evacuations and rescues.
• Rivers and tributaries: May quickly swell and overflow.
• Flood waters: Can enter structures, cause rapid inundation in low areas, and create hazardous driving conditions.

Wind

Residents should prepare for dangerous winds with the following potential impacts:

• Damage to structures: Including porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes.
• Tree damage: Large limbs may break, and shallow-rooted trees could snap or uproot.
• Road hazards: Debris may cause impassable roads and hazardous driving conditions.

Storm Surge

Life-threatening storm surge is possible, with impacts including:

• Coastal inundation: Flooding accentuated by waves, damaging coastal buildings.
• Erosion and rip currents: Major beach erosion and strong rip currents.
• Marina damage: Moderate damage to marinas, docks, and piers.

Tornadoes

There is a potential for isolated tornadoes, which could hinder emergency plans and cause:

• Structural damage: Roofs peeled off buildings, mobile homes overturned, trees and branches snapped.
• Power disruptions: Tornadoes could cause power and communications outages.

Precautionary and Preparedness Actions

Residents should follow local officials' advice and take the following precautions:

• Evacuations: Follow any evacuation orders.
• Safety decisions: Do not focus solely on the storm's track; consider all potential hazards.
• Flood preparation: Move to higher ground if in flood-prone areas.
• Monitor updates: Stay tuned to weather updates from weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio, and local news.
• Multiple alerts: Have multiple ways to receive Tornado Warnings and be ready to shelter quickly.

For additional preparedness information, visit ready.gov, getagameplan.org, and redcross.org.

Next Update

The next local statement will be issued by the NWS in Tampa Bay/Ruskin around 6 AM EDT or sooner if conditions warrant.