Milton's likely record-breaking storm surge in Tampa Bay could surpass anything seen in over a century
The FOX Forecast Center warns of a likely record-breaking storm surge, potentially surpassing anything seen in over a century in the Tampa Bay area. This comes just weeks after Hurricane Helene caused significant damage along the state's coastline.
Milton now a Category 3 hurricane is it approaches Florida
The latest update from the National Hurricane Center has Milton as a Category 3 hurricane. Milton is now hours away from making landfall in Florida. Oct. 9, 2024.
TAMPA, Fla. – A catastrophic storm surge is expected to inundate Florida's Gulf Coast from Hurricane Milton, raising water levels by up to 9 feet above ground level in areas of onshore winds.
The FOX Forecast Center warns of a likely record-breaking storm surge, potentially surpassing anything seen in over a century in the Tampa Bay area. This comes just weeks after Hurricane Helene caused significant damage along the state's coastline.
"Yes, you might have 'been through hurricanes before,'" FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross said. "But you weren't through the 1921 storm that put water over much of Pinellas County, or the 1848 hurricane that put 15 feet of Gulf water where downtown Tampa is today."
Storm Surge and Hurricane Warnings have been issued for portions of Florida's west coast.
HURRICANE MILTON CHARGES TOWARD FLORIDA AHEAD OF CATASTROPHIC LANDFALL
(FOX Weather)
The FOX Forecast Center said the angle of approach will have the core of the storm moving perpendicular to the coastline. This track keeps everywhere south and east of it from the worst of the winds, which will push water rapidly onto the coastline.
Meteorologists often advise against focusing on the center line of the forecast cone, but in this case, the final landfall will play a huge role in who sees the worst storm surge. Every 10 miles up or down the coast will matter, the FOX Forecast Center said.
Storm surge amounts will likely easily surpass 5 feet and could be as high as 9 feet, flooding tens of thousands of structures.
"Storm surge is the deadliest aspect of a hurricane," FOX Weather Meteorologist Craig Herrera said.
(FOX Weather)
Storm surge will also be felt along the Atlantic coast of Florida from the Space Coast to the First Coast. This includes cities such as Daytona Beach, St. Augustine and Jacksonville Beach.
FILE – Watch: Storm surge closes in on elevated camera in Cedar Key, Florida
Hurricane Helene brought several feet of storm surge to Florida, including to this neighborhood in Cedar Key.
Storm surge could also lead to moderate to major flooding along the Georgia and South Carolina coast.
(FOX Weather)