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A chance of strong to severe storms and heavy rainfall beginning late tonight through Saturday afternoon is on the horizon for the area, according to the National Weather Service.

This is what residents can expect in the next 48 hours:

• Two rounds of severe weather will be possible. The first will begin late tonight (10 p.m. ish) through Saturday morning (10 a.m. ish). The second round will be Saturday morning through the afternoon. Damaging winds, large hail and a tornado or two could be possible.

• Heavy rainfall will be possible especially late tonight through Saturday morning with the first round of severe weather. Between 2 to 4 inches of rain (locally higher) could fall in a short time leading to localized flash flooding especially within the elevated area.

• A high risk of rip currents and a high surf advisory is in effect for all beaches. The gulf will be hazardous this weekend and when the surf is high its best to stay on the turf.

Conditions will also be hazardous to boaters this weekend with a small craft advisory in effect. Southerly winds around 18 to 23 knots with seas 4 to 6 feet offshore.