Significant Fluctuations in Water Levels Observed Across Tampa Bay as Hurricane Milton Approaches

TAMPA BAY, Fla. — Water levels in Tampa Bay are experiencing significant fluctuations as Hurricane Milton moves south of the region, bringing strong offshore winds. In the northern part of the bay, a reverse surge is pushing water away from the shore, with the East Bay gauge—located near downtown Tampa—recording levels nearly 5 feet below normal.

Conversely, the southern portion of Tampa Bay is seeing an increase, with the Port Manatee gauge reporting a surge of about 1.3 feet, which has risen more than 2 feet in just the last 90 minutes.

Other gauges between East Bay and Port Manatee continue to display reverse surge conditions, with St. Petersburg and Old Port Tampa each recording levels over 2 feet below normal. These dramatic differences in water levels are attributed to varying wind directions; northern Tampa Bay is experiencing north or northeasterly winds, while the southern areas are now facing northwesterly winds. This onshore push in the southern sections of the bay is expected to increase and move northward as Hurricane Milton’s center progresses farther east.