Severe thunderstorms swept through the Bay area for over three hours Wednesday evening, bringing wind gusts, lightning and hail to much of the Bay area.

The serious weather toppled trees, damage buildings and even knocked over a billboard that crashed on top of cars at JLinn Car Sales in Clearwater.

Most of the Bay area was affected by the storms, which were intense with lightning and strong winds.

Bay News 9 Chief Meteorologist Mike Clay said the storms were strongest along the western coast of Pinellas County. At one point, 470 lightning strikes were detected between 5:35 p.m. and 5:50 p.m in that part of Pinellas County.

In addition, a wind gust of 69 mph was reported in Belleair at about the same time.

Earlier in the afternoon, several 60 mph wind gusts were recorded near Eagle Lake and the Lakeland area.

Residents can expect to see a similar weather pattern for at least another week.

Damage reports from around Bay area

Polk County

  • A large sheet metal building reportedly lost its roof near U.S. 98 and Polk Parkway in Lakeland.
  • Reports of a tree blown over on a house in Lacoochee.

Hillsborough County

  • Reports of a large tree down at Mud Lake and Holloway roads.
  • Power outages throughout the area.

Pasco County

  • Thirteen mobile homes damaged in the area of Chatford Drive in Holiday.
  • Several downed trees and power lines in Holiday.

Pinellas County

  • Reports of lightning striking a backyard shed and causing a fire near 10th Street SW in Largo.
  • Dime-sized hail was reported in Largo, Belleair and Dunedin. In Clearwater, a spotter reported hail that is 0.7 inches in diameter.
  • Trees are reportedly down near Fort Harrison in Clearwater.
  • Lightning strike to North Greenwood Recreation Center on North MLK Jr. Road causes fire to complex.
  • House fire reported on the corner of 126th Terrace and Ridge Road. Unknown if it's weather-related