22News Storm Team Meteorologist Chris Bouzakis has a look at how much storm surge Tampa Bay could see.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall Wednesday night as a major hurricane on the Gulf Coast of Florida.
Storm surge is the deadliest when it comes to impacts seen from a hurricane. The Gulf Coast of Florida from Tampa Bay down to Naples and Bonita Beach are being forecasted by the National Hurricane Center to see 10-15 feet of storm surge.
When putting this into perspective if you have a home on or near the ocean, bay, or an inlet, 10-15 feet of storm surge would be up to or past the second story of your home. If you have a one-story home such as a trailer, the home will likely be underwater, and this is why emergency officials have urged people to evacuate in these storm surge warned areas.
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Major flooding from just rainfall is expected as well with up to 18 inches of rain being forecasted for some areas across the Florida peninsula. Hurricane Milton is expected to remain hurricane strength as it exits Florida on Thursday into the Atlantic Ocean.
Chris Bouzakis is a meteorologist who has been a part of the 22News team since 2021. Follow Chris on X @ChrisBouzakis and view his bio to see more of his work.