Storm surge is a dangerous part of any tropical storm, but there is a way for residents to understand their risk. Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water above predicted tides, causing extreme flooding, according to the National Weather Service. It is crucial to remember that storm surge is different from evacuation zones or flood zones. Residents can find their evacuation zone and flood zone online.
To help residents see their risk of storm surge, the National Hurricane Center has an interactive tool that displays threats on a map. By zooming in on their area, residents can see the potential storm surge flooding. If the threat is greater than 1 foot and mandatory evacuations are in place, residents should consider leaving the area. For example, Tropical Storm Helene is expected to bring a storm surge of 5 to 8 feet to the Tampa Bay area.
Various factors impact storm surge, including wind intensity, the size of the wind field, the duration of the wind, storm pressure, storm speed, angle of attack, and the depth of the ocean or bay. Storm surge is created when winds push water towards the shore.
In the Tampa Bay area, a storm surge watch is currently in effect. A storm surge warning indicates the threat of life-threatening flooding moving inland within 36 hours. A watch has the same meaning but is issued within 48 hours. These warnings can be issued earlier if conditions are expected to limit evacuation time.
Residents in the Tampa Bay region should be prepared for Tropical Storm Helene to potentially strengthen into a major hurricane. The first rain bands are expected to arrive late Wednesday with severe weather possible. Thursday is predicted to bring the most severe impacts as the storm parallels Tampa Bay. Storm surge, hurricane, and tropical storm watches have been issued for parts of the area.
For the latest updates on the storm, residents can visit the 10 Tampa Bay hurricane headquarters. Stay informed and be prepared for any potential impacts from Tropical Storm Helene.
