TAMPA, Fla. — It's no doubt that Tampa Bay is a stunning place to call home, but hurricane season can have those who live along the coast hanging on the edge of our seats.
When a storm is approaching, maximum sustained wind speeds tend to be a big focus. They speak to the storm's strength and potential for damage. However, it's actually water that is the number one killer during a hurricane. One way it takes many lives is through storm surge.
Storm surge is defined as an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, such as a tropical cyclone or hurricane. That is why storm surge is actually one of the major risks in Tampa Bay during hurricane season, especially for those living along the coast, where the water surges in.
As a storm approaches, the National Hurricane Center stresses that you take evacuation orders seriously. They're put in place to protect the lives of you and your family.
Storm Surge Maps
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