Sirens blared, phones buzzed and people across Tampa Bay hustled indoors Tuesday evening after a tornado warning lit up parts of Hillsborough and Manatee counties. Residents inside the warning area were urged to move to interior rooms on the lowest floor, stay away from windows and ride out the strong storms in sturdy shelter.
The National Weather Service office in Ruskin said the warning covered northwestern Manatee County and south-central Hillsborough County and was in effect until 6:00 PM EDT. Radar showed a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado near Parrish, about 11 miles northeast of Palmetto, moving north at roughly 15 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
Local outlets and county officials echoed the call to take cover immediately as wireless emergency alerts and outdoor sirens cut through neighborhoods in the path. The Tampa Bay Times ran live updates while the warning was active and passed along guidance for people in Ruskin, Palmetto and nearby communities.
Forecasters warned that flying debris can be life-threatening and that mobile homes are especially vulnerable in a storm like this. The National Weather Service also cautioned that damage to roofs, windows and vehicles is likely. The same storm was expected near Ruskin around 5:40 PM EDT, and anyone still outside was urged to get into substantial shelter immediately.
What to do during a tornado warning
If you are under a tornado warning, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and put as many walls between you and the outside as possible. Cover your head and neck with your arms and shield yourself from flying debris with a mattress or heavy blankets, and if you are in a vehicle or mobile home get to a substantial shelter, according to Ready.gov.
Where to get updates
Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, county alert systems and local TV or radio for minute-to-minute updates; official channels will have the most current warnings and any emergency instructions. For continuing local coverage see the Tampa Bay Times and your preferred broadcaster's live radar.
If you see storm damage or a tornado on the ground, report it to local law enforcement so they can relay the information to the National Weather Service. Keep phone lines free for emergencies and follow official guidance until the warning is canceled.
