Severe Afternoon Showers and Storms Drench Tampa Bay Area

TAMPA, FL (August 25, 2025) - A tropical moisture plume ushered in widespread rain, scattered thunderstorms and localized flooding across the Tampa Bay region on Monday, as residents navigated soggy streets and gusty winds.

The day began under overcast skies, with early downpours pushing inland from the Gulf Coast. By late morning, heavy rain bands formed along the Interstate-75 corridor, significantly slowing the morning commute. Afternoon temperatures peaked near 86°F, but the humid air fueled storm development - with multiple cells producing brief but intense rainfall rates, frequent lightning and wind gusts up to 35 mph. Flash flooding warnings briefly covered low-lying neighborhoods as up to two inches of rain fell in under an hour in some spots.

Meteorologists warned that saturated ground would exacerbate runoff, creating ponding on roadways and prompting drivers to “turn around, don’t drown.” Minor street flooding was reported in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, leading local authorities to close flood-prone underpasses during the height of the storms.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Fernand continued its trek well east of the U.S. coastline over the Atlantic, maintaining 50 mph sustained winds and heading north-northeast at 12 mph. Forecasters with the National Hurricane Center expect Fernand to remain offshore through midweek, with no impacts forecast for Florida. A second tropical wave, Invest 99L, has a low (10%) chance of development and is not anticipated to affect the state.

The maritime forecast called for moderate chop (1-2 ft) on Tampa Bay, with scattered showers offshore making boating unsafe throughout the day. Conditions are expected to improve by Wednesday as drier air filters in, offering a brief respite before rain chances return over the upcoming weekend.