As Hurricane Milton moves into Florida south of Tampa Bay, strong offshore winds are pushing water out of the bay, causing concern for potential storm surge. Gauges in Tampa Bay are currently registering well below the expected values, with the East Bay gauge showing a significant drop of more than 3.5 feet.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management has issued a warning against walking out into the receding water in Tampa Bay, emphasizing the imminent return of water through storm surge, which poses a life-threatening risk.
According to forecast surge guidance from NOAA, there is a projected significant increase in storm surge overnight into early Thursday morning as the winds are expected to shift from northeasterly to northwesterly direction.
Storm surge values are anticipated to rise from more than 3.5 feet below predicted levels to approximately 2 feet above. Despite these fluctuations, Tampa Bay is not expected to experience record-setting storm surge due to the location of Hurricane Milton's landfall.
Residents in the area are advised to stay informed about the changing weather conditions and follow any evacuation orders or safety guidelines issued by local authorities. It is crucial to prioritize personal safety and preparedness in the face of potential natural disasters like hurricanes.
