TAMPA, Fla. — Storm surge is the deadliest part of any tropical system. So, what is it, and what should you know?
It's defined as the abnormal rise of water over and above the predicted tides. The rise in water level can cause extreme flooding, according to the National Weather Service.
Along the coast, it can be the greatest threat to life and property, and it's important to note that it is not the same thing as your evacuation zone or flood zone. You can find out your evacuation zone here and flood zone here.
How to see your threat of storm surge
There is an interactive tool from the National Hurricane Center that shows the threats on a map.
This tool allows users to zoom in on their home or area to see the potential storm surge flooding. Click here to use it.
If the threat is greater than 1 foot and there are mandatory evacuations, residents should consider leaving the area. The peak storm surge from Tropical Storm Helene is currently 5 to 8 feet in the Tampa Bay area, according to hurricane forecasters.
Factors that impact surge
Storm surge is produced by water being pushed toward the shore by the force of winds moving around the storm. The potential for surge depends on multiple factors:
- Wind intensity
- Size of wind field (the three-dimensional pattern of winds)
- Length of wind (time)
- Storm pressure
- Speed of storm
- Angle of attack
- How deep the ocean or bay is
Storm surge watch vs warning
Currently, the coast of the Tampa Bay area is under a watch.
A warning is the danger of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline within 36 hours due to a tropical cyclone.
A watch has the same definition but is generally within 48 hours, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Either could be issued earlier when other conditions are expected to limit the time available for residents to take protective actions such as evacuations.
Tropical Storm Helene
The Tampa Bay region should be prepared for this tropical storm to strengthen into a major hurricane.
Forecasters say late Wednesday is when the first rain bands arrive and severe weather is possible. On Thursday, the system will be parallel to Tampa Bay bringing us a surge with this day being the most severe. Storm surge, hurricane and tropical storm watches have been issued for parts of the area. You can get the latest information on the storm here.
We will continue to provide the latest information through your 10 Tampa Bay hurricane headquarters.
