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Storms Pelt Hillsborough County With Rain, Hail

Tribune photo by FRED BELLET

Lightning electrifies the sky over the Hernando County coastline between Bayport and Pine Island Sunday evening. Thunderstorms moved through the area just around sunset.

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By RAY REYES | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 6, 2008

TAMPA - A line of severe thunderstorms moving northwest toward the Gulf of Mexico this afternoon has dumped at least 2 inches of rain — and golf ball-sized chunks of hail — in some parts of Hillsborough County, forecasters with the National Weather Service said.

The storms, with wind gusts between 40 and 50 mph, moved off the coast of Pinellas County by early evening, forecaster Ernie Jillson said.

The National Weather Service in Ruskin issued a strong thunderstorm warning for Hernando and Citrus counties, which will last until 8:45 p.m.

Wind gusts of up to 40 mph are expected in Brooksville, Royal Highlands and Chassahowitzka. Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning is also expected, forecasters said.

Hail about a half-inch in diameter pelted some areas of Tampa. Penny-sized hail was reported at Tampa International Airport, Jillson said.

A flood advisory for southern Pinellas, which includes St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach and Pinellas Park, was issued by the National Weather Service in Ruskin about 7 p.m. The advisory will remain in effect until 8 p.m.

Excessive runoff from the storms has caused flooding in low-lying areas and intersections. Motorists are asked to use caution and allow extra time while driving.

More storms are expected to move through Hillsborough County on Monday afternoon, but there is a lower chance of severe thunderstorm activity on Thursday and Friday, Jillson said.

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