TAMPA, Fla. — The National Guard put up a huge flood barrier, almost resembling giant pool noodles, around a Tampa wastewater facility that flooded during Hurricane Helene.
Crews wrapped the orange tube-like barriers around the Krauss Pumping Station at 163 S Ashley Street on Tuesday night ahead of Hurricane Milton.
The station was one of two stations that were down due to flooding.
Repairs were able to be made quickly, and now officials are trying to ensure this doesn't happen again.
The barrier is part of the Tiger Dam system developed by the U.S. Flood Control Corporation. It consists of long, flexible tubes that can be stacked and joined end to end and filled with water, according to the corporation's website.
The 18-inch high tubes weigh 50 pounds dry and 6,300 lbs when filled with water and will protect the structure prior to flooding.
Milton is a major hurricane and a storm surge warning is in effect for the Tampa Bay area.
Hillsborough County is expecting a surge of 9 to 13 feet and rain amounts totaling 8 to 15 inches.
The wastewater facility is located in evacuation zone A, which had a mandatory evacuation order. It's also in flood zone AE, which is considered a high-risk area.
