Community Corner

Summery Weekend for Clearwater Despite Tropical Storm Karen

Forecasters say the only real risk the storm will deliver here is the potential for strong rip currents in Bay area waters.

By Associate Regional Editor Sherri Lonon

Just because Tropical Storm Karen is spinning in the Gulf of Mexico doesn’t mean Tampa Bay’s weekend will be ruined.

That’s the word from the National Weather Service as the newly formed storm makes its way north – well away from Tampa Bay.

The region is in for a pretty typical sunny weekend, said meteorologist Rodney Wynn.

Find out what's happening in Clearwaterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

While highs are expected to hover in the upper 80s to low 90s and rain chances are low, as well, there is one caution Bay area residents should heed, Wynn said.

“The strongest risk during the weekend is going to be with the storm in the Gulf (there is) a moderate risk of rip currents,” he said. That means those who go on the water should “take caution when they’re out there.”

Find out what's happening in Clearwaterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Rain chances are low on Saturday; about 20 percent for isolated thunderstorms. They rise to about 30 percent for scattered storms on Sunday. “Otherwise, (it’s going to be) mostly sunny to partly cloudy.”

For a complete look at Clearwater area weather, visit the National Weather Service online.


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