Storm Surge Warning: Hurricane Milton's Life Threatening Waves May Reach Up to 15 Feet

As Hurricane Milton makes landfall in Florida, authorities are bracing for a potentially catastrophic storm surge. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that parts of Florida's west coast could see destructive waves as high as 10 to 15 feet, threatening widespread flooding and devastation in coastal areas. While there's no definitive list of locations that will be impacted by the storm surge, CNN reports that the affected areas will likely include Tampa and regions to the south. 

Chris Slocum, a physical scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), explained that Milton's trajectory allows it to push water directly up the continental shelf, amplifying the storm surge.

Compounding the threat is rising sea levels, driven by climate change, which have heightened the region's vulnerability to flooding. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued warnings of potentially destructive waves, but the storm's exact landfall location remains uncertain.

"The Florida west coast is very sensitive to storm surge. It doesn't take much to push water over land that would be dry," said Cody Fritz, the Storm Surge Unit Team Lead at the National Hurricane Center, according to NBC News. "It's extremely vulnerable."

Milton "wobbled," shifting projections slightly south of Tampa Bay, which may spare the city from a direct hit. However, small changes in the storm's path could still significantly impact areas like Tampa Bay. According to the NHC, forecasts can be off by about 70 miles when a storm is 36 hours from landfall, leaving the exact location of Milton's impact in question.

"We still can't pinpoint an exact landfall location, especially if additional wobbles occur in the short term," the NHC added.

What is Storm Surge?

Storm surge is a rise in sea level due to a storm, caused by a combination of strong winds and low atmospheric pressure. As Hurricane Milton approaches the coast, its powerful winds will push water towards the shore, causing a significant increase in sea level. This can lead to catastrophic flooding, especially in low-lying areas.

Impact of Storm Surge

The storm surge from Hurricane Milton is expected to have a devastating impact on coastal communities, including:

• Flooding: The 10-15 foot storm surge will inundate coastal areas, causing widespread flooding and damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
• Erosion: The powerful waves will also cause erosion, washing away beaches and dunes, and potentially destroying coastal structures.
• Loss of Life: The NHC has warned that the storm surge is an "extremely life-threatening situation," and residents in the affected areas are urged to evacuate immediately if ordered to do so by local officials.