Tampa Bay water levels are expected to experience significant fluctuations as Hurricane Milton moves through the area. The storm's winds are anticipated to cause water levels to vary from low to high, with the potential for a 'reverse surge' due to strong offshore winds.
While the region may avoid a record surge, the core of Hurricane Milton will still have a notable impact on water levels in Tampa Bay. As the storm passes south of Tampa, winds are expected to shift direction, leading to rising water levels in the bay.
According to NOAA forecasts, water levels are projected to rise by 6 feet in just 6 hours on Thursday morning. This increase is expected to occur as the tide is rising ahead of the normal high tide around 6 a.m. ET.
Despite the anticipated rise in water levels, they are not expected to reach the heights observed during Hurricane Helene two weeks ago. Residents in the Tampa Bay area are advised to stay informed about the changing water levels and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during the passage of Hurricane Milton.