Storms leave damage; more rain and wind expected

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Residents across the Bay Area woke up to steady rain and waves of storms Thursday morning, some of which left damage as they swept through.

By sunrise, every county in the Bay Area had experienced heavy rain. The official gauge at Tampa International Airport had reached nearly 3 inches before 11 a.m. -- more than double the previous daily record.

A possible tornado was reported by Pasco County fire officials in the 6400 block of Forest Lake Drive. Fire crews report at least 80 homes have minor to moderate damage inside the Forest Lakes Estates Mobile Home community, four of which have been deemed unsafe. There were no reported injuries. 

Busch Gardens and Zoo Tampa both announced plans to close for the day due to the weather.

The next day will be just as active, weather-wise, says FOX 13’s meteorologist Dave Osterberg. Up to 4 total inches of rain can be expected with more in some areas, and there is still enhanced threat for more storms.

Coastal flooding is also a cause for concern for low-lying areas.

“This is an all-day deal,” Osterberg explained. “This is a slow-moving system, pouring in moisture.”

A tornado watch remains in effect for the following counties until 4 p.m.: Polk, Hardee, Desoto and Highlands counties. Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas, and Sarasota were dropped from the watch after 1 p.m.

Multiple tornado warnings were issued in for the Bay Area's central, eastern, and southern counties through the morning, with other scattered reports of minor damage. 

It doesn’t end by Thursday night. By Friday morning, there will be wind gusts for some areas, between 40 to 50 mph. The good news, is the sunshine returns for the weekend. 

LINK: Live FOX 13 radar