BREAKING NEWS: A tornado warning is in effect for Hillsborough County until 4:45 a.m.
Watch Weather On the Nines for more.
The storms are in association with Tropical Storm Andrea which formed yesterday in the Gulf of Mexico, the first of the 2013 Atlantic hurricane season.
"Reconnaissance (flights) has found winds to support a tropical storm. It goes beyond tropical depression status," said meteorologist Josh Linker.
It's important to know, we've been talking about this for the last couple of days. This is not something we need to be worried about just because this has a name. There is going to be a lot of rain around here, some gusty wind, the potential for isolated tornadoes. That's the forecast for tonight and tomorrow and it has been the forecast for the last couple days for the Wednesday night and Thursday time frame."
A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for the west coast of Florida from Boca Grande to Ochlocknee River. The entire Bay area is under a flood watch through Thursday night.
A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for the east coast of Florida from Flagler Beach to Surf City, North Carolina.
Linker said that tonight and Thursday, the storm will bring the potential of "small, tropical spin-ups - little tornadoes - that may form."
"That's something we'll be paying very close attention to," he said.
A small craft advisory has been posted.
“If you’re thinking of heading out on the water- it’s not recommended at all,” said Linker. "There’s going to be rain, some embedded thunderstorms, possibility of some isolated waterspouts, tornadoes, it’s going to be windy."
Though the track takes the storm north of the Bay area, we will be on the east side of the storm, meaning we are going to get the heaviest of rains and the potential for tornados.
"Plan for a long morning commute," said meteorologist Brian McClure.
The storm is not expected to strengthen. Showers and storms are also expected on Friday, though it will not be as bad as Thursday.
Officials in Hillsborough County and, in Pinellas County, the city of Tarpon Springs are already preparing for the possibility of flooding by making sandbags available to the public.
Beachgoers urged to be cautious
The coming system could also mean rip tides and coastal flooding. As a result, city officials are asking residents to be careful if they go to the beach over the next few days.
Lifeguards will be keeping an eye on the conditions and will use the warning flag system if needed, Clearwater officials said. The lifeguards will display yellow flags if swimmers need to be cautious about getting in the water. If conditions are deemed a high hazard, the red flag will be displayed.
"We look to have our hands full if we get some foul weather," said Patrick Brafford, water safety supervisor for the City. "Any time we have high winds, we will have higher surf, and that will bring up concerns on rip currents and beach erosions."
Officials said they are particularly concerned about students going to the beach this week, especially as school has let out for the summer.