TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — As afternoon storms roll in, wind gusts are picking up in the Tampa Bay area.
Before the line of storms rolled in winds gusted up to 51 mph at St Pete Clearwater Airport.
To put that in perspective, tropical storm wind gusts begin at 39 mph.
As the storms roll across Tampa Bay, driving will be hazardous crossing the area bridges, especially the Sunshine Skyway. Winds are stronger the higher up you get in the atmosphere.
The storm focus will be south of Tampa Bay into Manatee, Sarasota, Hardee, DeSoto and Highlands counties later this afternoon. Winds may gust to 50 mph.
Storms will wind down Wednesday early evening. The winds will weaken at that time and switch to the Northwest ushering in drier and cooler air.