A strong storm system sweeping off the Gulf is battering the Tampa Bay area today. Several storms are still approaching Southwest Florida from the Gulf of Mexico and are expected to bring rain and powerful thunderstorms within the hour. The storm in the Bay area, however, is not expected to be as strong as those that swept through the Tampa and Lakeland areas.

Severe weather moves in over the vehicle assembly building at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral
Severe weather moves in over the vehicle assembly building at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida March 31, 2011. REUTERS
Severe weather moves in over the vehicle assembly building at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral
Severe weather moves in over the vehicle assembly building at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida March 31, 2011. REUTERS
Severe weather moves in over the vehicle assembly building at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral
Severe weather moves in over the vehicle assembly building at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida March 31, 2011. REUTERS
Mexico Florida Storm Florida