Florida Special Weather Statement | Effective 05/18/2026 13:54

Headline: 
Special Weather Statement issued May 18 at 4:54PM EDT by NWS Tampa Bay Ruskin FL
Event: 
Special Weather Statement
Urgency: 
Expected
Effective: 
May 18, 2026 - 1:54pm
Expires: 
May 18, 2026 - 2:30pm
Description: 
At 454 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm capable of producing a landspout 13 miles southwest of Myakka River State Park, or 13 miles west of North Port. This thunderstorm was nearly stationary. HAZARD...Landspouts, wind gusts up to 40 mph, and half inch hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible. Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Locations impacted include... Gulf Gate Estates, Myakka River State Park, Osprey, Gator Creek Estate, South Venice, Vamo, Nokomis, Laurel, Turtle Beach, Oscar Scherer State Park, and Venice Gardens.
Instruction: 
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Area Description: 
Coastal Sarasota; Inland Sarasota
Forcast Office: 
NWS Tampa Bay Ruskin FL