Well, 2024 is coming in with a bang—a wet, windy one.

Just a few weeks after a winter storm brought windy, rainy conditions to the Suncoast in December, meteorologists from the National Weather Service (NWS) are forecasting another one for tomorrow. 

⛴️A *rare* STORM WARNING is in effect for all Gulf waters AND the bays, sounds, and waterways beginning Monday afternoon for sustained winds of 30-40 knots and gusts to 55 knots.

😮Note: this is only the 2nd Storm Warning issued by us since 1994 for the Gulf waters. (5/6) pic.twitter.com/XovHB1oTLH

— NWS Mobile (@NWSMobile) January 7, 2024

The NWS in Mobile, Alabama, issued a rare storm warning for all Gulf waters, forecasting sustained winds of 30-40 knots and gusts to 55 knots. The warning begins this afternoon. It's only the second storm warning issued by the NWS since 1994 for Gulf waters.

Locally, NWS stations in Tampa Bay and Ruskin have issued a coastal flood watch for eight counties, including coastal Sarasota and coastal Manatee, that will remain in effect until 7 a.m. on Wednesday morning. Severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes and heavy rainfall are forecast, along with powerful onshore winds of 23 miles per hour to 33 miles per hour, with gusts of up to 50 miles per hour, that could lead to widespread coastal flooding along the eastern Gulf Coast. 

A gale watch is also in effect from Tuesday morning at 1 a.m. until Wednesday morning at 1 a.m. Forecasters say winds could reach 20 to 30 knots on the Gulf, with seas of 7 feet to 10 feet. 

After the storm clears late Tuesday night, Wednesday will be calmer and cooler, with a high around 65 degrees Fahrenheit and a low around 52. 

Why all the wild weather this winter? Well, part of the reason is that we're currently in the first year of a five-year El Niño cycle, which brings increased water vapor and more extreme weather. You can read more about what El Niño means for our region here. 

In the meantime, stay safe out there.