Here’s Why Hurricane Milton Is Sucking Water Out of Tampa Bay
by https://www.nytimes.com/by/elena-shao · NY TimesHere’s Why Hurricane Milton Is Sucking Water Out of Tampa Bay
The effect is called a reverse storm surge, but it won’t last, and the water could come rushing back.
- Share full article
Credit...Hilary Swift for The New York Times
By Elena Shao
Even as some parts of Florida’s western coast were enduring a surge of seawater on Wednesday night, Hurricane Milton’s heavy winds were pushing water out of Tampa Bay.
A flood gauge near Tampa showed the water levels fluctuating as Milton approached and then plummeting while the storm’s eye passed to the south — dropping three feet below the level expected on a normal day.
The phenomenon, reminiscent of what occurred during Hurricanes Ian in 2022 and Irma in 2017, will probably last only a few hours — and could suddenly reverse, with damaging results.
The outward flow is sometimes referred to as a reverse, or negative, storm surge. A storm surge occurs when high-speed winds push ocean water onshore, but in this case the winds are draining the bay instead of flooding it.
A hurricane’s winds blow counterclockwise, and with Milton passing south of Tampa Bay, winds to the north of the storm are blowing in from the east, pushing water away from the shoreline.
The unusual sight can draw curious onlookers, but officials say that it’s dangerous to wander out along shores with receding tides. The water will eventually return and could rise quickly in a matter of minutes.
More on the Aftermath of Hurricane Milton
- A Tale of Two Storms: Power outages, gas shortages and pockets of flooding were among the lingering issues as Floridians return. But Gov. Ron DeSantis said the damage could have been worse.
- Storm Dogs: Amid major disasters, shelter animals are often sent to other states. And people are more likely to foster and adopt a pet. Here’s what to know.
- A Climate Resistant Community: On the west coast of Florida, a town built to weather hurricanes hosted more than 2,000 people during Hurricane Milton. Could communities like this help shape Florida’s future?
- Hurricane Disinformation: Amid the conspiracy theories and falsehoods that have spiraled online after Helene and Milton, meteorologists say the harassment and threats directed at them have reached new heights.