Fill out this form to email this article to a friend
Hurricane Dennis
Tampa Bay area update
By BRENDAN WATSON
Published July 8, 2005
Winds reaching 149 mph downed a majority of
Cuba's power lines as it swept over the western portion of that island
this afternoon. The landmass did weaken the storm, however it remains
a Category 4 hurricane as it moves closer to Florida.
A slight westward jog overnight will probably spare Tampa Bay from the storm's worst outlying weather.
In anticipation of the storm, which will most affect the bay area
Saturday, a tropical storm warning has been issued for the west coast
of Florida from Bonita Beach north to Anclote Key north to the Suwannee
River.
Forecasters are warning of rain, thunderstorms, strong wind gusts and possible tornadoes in the area. Residents are encouraged to keep an eye on the storm's path, and check for additional storm watches and warnings, particularly into Saturday evening when Dennis is expected to be directly west of Tampa Bay.
A tropical storm watch remains in effect from Bonita Beach north to Long Boat Key. There is also a coastal flood watch posted from Bonita Beach north to the Suwannee River, Saturday through Sunday morning. Strong winds in the gulf could produce waves up to 12 feet and raise tides levels two to four feet.
Today's high temperature is forecasted for 92. As the chance of rain increases from 40 percent today to 70 percent throughout Saturday, expect cooling temperatures in the mid to high 80s. By Sunday, the chance of rain falls to 50 percent, though scattered storms will linger.
[Last modified July 8, 2005, 18:18:23]
Share your thoughts on this story
|
News
Fifty years ago, they were screwed-up kids sent to the Florida School for Boys to be straightened out. But now they are screwed-up men, scarred by the whippings they endured. Read the story and see a video and portrait gallery.
Print
Email story
Comment
Email editor
