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Advisories issued
Cold front brings wind and welcome rain
By SUZETTE PORTER
Article published on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007 |
PINELLAS COUNTY – Cool and windy conditions continue after a line of thunderstorms passed through the region late Saturday night and early Sunday morning.
The passing cold front and accompanying storms brought welcome rain to the drought-stricken region. Pinellas County’s rain gauge in Clearwater recorded 1.28 inches, bringing the total for the month of December to 1.36 inches – a little more than an inch below normal.
According to the National Weather Service, residents will need to break out the long sleeves as temperatures are forecast to fall to around 60 degrees by 5 p.m. Northwest winds around 22 mph with gusts as high as 28 mph are expected. . The highest wind gusts recorded so far on Sunday at the county’s weather station was 38 mph at 10:24 a.m.
Lows tonight around Pinellas should be about 44. North-northwest winds are forecast between 16 to 18 mph with gusts as high as 25 mph.
A high surf advisory and lake wind advisory have been issued by the NWS for the region, along with a fire weather watch.
High surf advisory remains in effect until 1 p.m. Monday for Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties. Strong northwesterly winds of 20 to 30 knots over the eastern gulf will generate six to 12 feet of seas today and tonight, producing three to six foot surf along area beaches.
Winds are expected to shift northerly and slightly weaken Sunday night with waves and seas slowly subsiding Monday.
High surf advisories are issued when dangerous water action is expected along the coast, including rough surf, large breaking waves, rip current and strong undertow. People venturing to the beach are urged to heed lifeguard warnings.
A lake wind advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. on Sunday. NWS advises outdoors enthusiasts to postpone lake-related activities until conditions improve.
A lake wind advisory is issued when sustained winds are forecast to be 20 to 29 mph with frequent gusts to near or above gale force for at least three hours. Winds of these magnitudes will create rough conditions on larger area lakes which could produce damage or flip small pleasure craft.
Monday’s weather is forecast to be sunny with a high near 59 degrees and wind chill values as low as 37 degrees early. North-northeast winds between 13 and 16 mph with gusts as high as 23 mph are expected. The low is forecast to be around 46 degrees with the winds slowly diminishing.
A fire weather watch is in effect for the county on Monday due to low relative humidities, the NWS said. Relative humidities are expected to drop below 35 percent by late Monday morning and remain at critical levels throughout the afternoon.
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Article published on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007
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