Strong storm system expected to stall over Manatee County, causing a rainy weekend
The strong winds blowing through Bradenton mean a rainy weekend is in store for the Suncoast, forecasters say.
An approaching cold front is already causing severe weather conditions in Manatee County as strong gusts barrel through Bradenton on Thursday into Friday.
The main severe weather threat should be overnight Thursday between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m., said Stephen Shiveley, a forecaster with the National Weather Service in Tampa.
Thunderstorms are expected, but some could be severe, producing heavy rain showers, frequent lightning strikes, high winds, hail or tornadoes.
On the water, near gale force winds are producing high waves off the coastline, making the waters unsafe to swimmers and boaters. A rip current advisory and small craft advisory is in effect as the front approaches.
Wind gusts above 30 mph are possible farther out into the water away from the coastline. Sea waves are expected to reach 5 to 7 feet which are rough for smaller boats.
Gusty winds and high waves are expected continue on the water into Friday morning.
For the weekend, the cold front is expected to stall out over the Tampa Bay area, losing all of its energy, so the storms are not expected to push further into south Florida.
The cold front is forecast to slowly dissipate, causing popup rain and thunderstorms Friday through Sunday.
There could be a 30-40% chance of rain on Monday, while a completely dry day with no chance of rain is not expected until next Tuesday, the forecaster said.
Bradenton weather forecast
Friday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 80. South southwest wind 7 to 9 mph becoming west northwest in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.
Friday Night: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. North northwest wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable.
Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. Light and variable wind becoming west southwest at 6 to 11 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. North northwest wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. Northwest wind 6 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Northwest wind around 8 mph becoming east northeast after midnight.
Monday: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. East wind 8 to 11 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Monday Night: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.
This story was originally published March 31, 2022 at 12:58 PM.
