An upper level low moving across the eastern Gulf of Mexico provided increased instability for afternoon showers and thunderstorms.  Several of these storms caused damaging wind gusts.  Additionally, a couple lightning strikes caused fires.

Lightning in PINELLAS, FLORIDA
From 17-JUL-13 15:30:00 to 17-JUL-13 15:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: FEATHER SOUND
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Florida State watch office reported a lightning strike to an apartment complex started a fire near 4th Street North and 112 Avenue Northeast.

Thunderstorm Wind in MANATEE, FLORIDA
From 17-JUL-13 15:30:00 to 17-JUL-13 15:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: EL RANCHO VLG
Magnitude: 45.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Broadcast media reported that a thunderstorm wind gust tore the roof off of a mobile home which landed on another nearby mobile home in Villa Del Sol in Bradenton.

Thunderstorm Wind in HILLSBOROUGH, FLORIDA
From 17-JUL-13 15:00:00 to 17-JUL-13 15:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: TARPON
Magnitude: 40.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hillsborough County Emergency Management reported tree branches and power lines down in the Westchase area.  Time of damage was estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in HILLSBOROUGH, FLORIDA
From 17-JUL-13 15:00:00 to 17-JUL-13 15:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: SEFFNER
Magnitude: 40.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hillsborough County Emergency Management reported several trees down in the city of Sefner.

Thunderstorm Wind in HILLSBOROUGH, FLORIDA
From 17-JUL-13 15:05:00 to 17-JUL-13 15:05:00 (EST-5)
Location: PLANT CTY HILSBRO AR
Magnitude: 40.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hillsborough County Emergency Management reported a mobile home was damaged in the Shady Oaks Mobile Home Park.

Thunderstorm Wind in HILLSBOROUGH, FLORIDA
From 17-JUL-13 15:12:00 to 17-JUL-13 15:12:00 (EST-5)
Location: BRANDON
Magnitude: 40.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hillsborough County Emergency Management reported several trees down around Brandon.  Some of the trees fell on homes.

Thunderstorm Wind in HILLSBOROUGH, FLORIDA
From 17-JUL-13 15:30:00 to 17-JUL-13 15:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: RATTLESNAKE
Magnitude: 40.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter reported numerous branches and small trees down in the vicinity of South Tampa.

Thunderstorm Wind in PINELLAS, FLORIDA
From 17-JUL-13 15:15:00 to 17-JUL-13 15:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: COACHMAN
Magnitude: 40.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Broadcast media reported a large tree knocked down on a house in Clearwater.

Lightning in PINELLAS, FLORIDA
From 17-JUL-13 15:30:00 to 17-JUL-13 15:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: CLEARWATER EXEC ARPT
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Florida State watch office reported a house fire started by a lightning strike near Druid Road and Woodside Avenue.

Thunderstorm Wind in PINELLAS, FLORIDA
From 17-JUL-13 15:20:00 to 17-JUL-13 15:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: PINELLAS PARK
Magnitude: 40.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Broadcast media reported power lines down on Park Boulevard and on Bryan Dairy Road in Pinellas Park.