A powerful line of thunderstorms moved through the greater Tampa Bay region on Saturday and, after a brief reprieve Sunday morning, picked up again on Sunday.
The greater Tampa Bay region is under a severe thunderstorm watch until Sunday at 4 p.m. as forecasters warn another line of heavy showers are moving through the region Sunday afternoon, and forecast to remain throughout the day.
A 17-year-old girl was killed in Hernando County on Sunday when she exited her car due to a fallen tree and stepped on a downed power line, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
As of 2:45 p.m. more than 12,000 TECO energy customers were without power, along with around 3,000 Duke Energy customers in the greater Tampa Bay region.
Sunday's storms also closed the federally run coronavirus vaccine site at the Tampa Greyhound Track.
The Hernando County Sheriff's Office reported power lines down, causing a fire in Spring Hill, and there were reports of roof damage in Pinellas County.
The National Weather Service reported 20 structures sustained wind damage in the Bayshore Gardens area of Manatee County on Saturday afternoon — five severe, with large sections of roofs blown off — along with damage to windows, awnings, trees and screen enclosures.
One person suffered minor injuries, according to the weather service.
🌪 Manatee County EMS responded to help an injured patient after a tornado touched down near El Conquistador Parkway this evening. 🌪
— Manatee County Public Safety Department (@MCGPublicSafety) April 11, 2021
Photos from the scene below👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/Iyhpa4ghGT
The weather service also reported minor damage to several lanais, carports and decks in Riverview, along with wind gusts of more than 50 mph in various areas, while the Associated Press reported a home and convenience store in Panama City were leveled in a possible tornado as the storms moved through the Florida Panhandle.
The storms produced gusty winds and heavy rain on Saturday afternoon as the line of storms moved through off the Gulf of Mexico.
The storms impacted Saturday’s first night of WrestleMania, as fans were told to seek shelter prior to the 6 p.m. start.
The threat for severe weather has increased for portions of #CeFL today. An Enhanced Risk (hazard level 3 out of 5) is possible for parts of the Peninsula including the cities of #Tampa, #Orlando, & #FtPierce. A few storms could produce damaging winds, hail and tornadoes. #flwx pic.twitter.com/lmuscgxTcQ
— Florida Storms (@FloridaStorms) April 11, 2021
Those storms could produce rounds of heavy rainfall along with damaging winds and possible hail, tornadoes and waterspouts, forecasters said.
Rainfall totals on Sunday could range from 1-2 inches, with higher amounts possible.
The showers are forecast to ease late Sunday night and into early Monday to the south as a cold front sinks south through the region.
Once it passes, temperatures will remain above average, with highs in the mid to upper 80s to start the week, forecasters said.
