Forecasters expect a tropical depression could form as early as Sunday, with Tropical Storm Bertha possible before reaching the northern Gulf Coast.
Federal study will identify dredging and other projects aimed at reducing chronic flooding in the waterfront neighborhood.
Pinellas County completed a flood vulnerability assessment to identify how sea level rise, storm surge and heavier rainfall could affect neighborhoods.
Repeated rounds of tropical moisture could bring heavy rain, localized flooding and isolated severe storms to Tampa Bay, regardless of whether a named storm forms.
El Niño could ease hurricane threats for Tampa Bay while increasing the risk of severe storms and heavy rain.