Tampa weather: Heavy rain moves across Florida over next few days

TAMPA, Fla. - As widespread rain is expected to cover much of Florida over the next few days, the National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch for parts of the Bay Area on Wednesday.

It comes as parts of the area saw standing water in roadways during the evening hours on Tuesday. The Florida Highway Patrol also urged drivers not to drive through flooded roads as downpours moved through the area. 

FOX 13 meteorologist Valerie Mills says more than eight inches of rain fell in a three-hour span in Sarasota, making Tuesday one of the wettest days ever on record at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.

According to the National Hurricane Center, a trough of low pressure over the eastern Gulf of Mexico is producing a large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms that is moving across Florida. 

"Not a very big severe threat for us. So, it's really more of these heavy rains and these beneficial, much needed rains, and especially for the kind of half of the state that really needs it, as we take a look at the big picture," explained Mills.

The Tampa area is getting the first hit of tropical moisture that led to downpours on Tuesday.

Temperatures will be limited to the low and mid-80s because of the clouds and rainy conditions. 

"More of this tropical moisture is going to feed in for several days will kind of be stuck in this pattern here with the stalled front really helping to just continue to pump in all of that moisture," said Mills.

FOX Forecast Center reports that the highest rain totals across the state will happen between Wednesday and Friday.

Flooding could be a concern in the coming days as rain ramps up. About three to six inches of rain is expected to soak the Bay Area throughout the week, according to Mills.

Mills says wind shear in the Gulf of Mexico will prevent tropical concerns.

On Tuesday, Tampa International Airport reported a significant number of delays, with 106 delays and two cancelations reported at one point during the afternoon.

To check flight status, click here.

FOX Weather contributed to this story.

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