Hurricane Michael: Tampa Bay Won't Escape Impacts

TAMPA BAY, FL -- As Hurricane Michael draws closer to the Panhandle, emergency operations officials throughout Tampa Bay are urging residents to prepare.

Although the National Hurricane Center said it's unlikely that the path of the hurricane will veer toward Tampa Bay, Director Ken Graham said Tampa Bay could experience storm surge (flooding) of 2 to 4 feet.

"One of the biggest impacts will be storm surge," he said. "Storm surge causes half of the casualties during a hurricane."

At 12:09 p.m. Monday, the National Weather Service continued to have a Storm Surge Watch and Tropical Storm Watch in effect for Hillsborough, coastal Manatee, coastal Pasco, coastal Hernando and Pinellas counties.

Hurricane Michael is now located about 560 miles south-southwest of Cedar Key, or about 460 miles south-southwest of the mouth of Tampa Bay with 75 mph sustained winds. It is moving north at 7 mph and is forecast to impact Gulf Coast Tuesday through Thursday.

According to the NWS, the primary concerns for Tampa Bay at this time heavy rainfall causing localized flooding and tropical storm-force winds along the coast.

Forecasters are advising residents from Crystal River north to prepare for storm surge of 4 to 6 feet with powerful battering waves, structural damage to buildings with the possibility of structure washing away, washed out roads, floating debris, extreme beach erosion, massive damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks and piers, stressed flood control systems and boats breaking away from moorings.

The NWS said residents who live between the Anclote River and Crystal River should prepare for life-threatening surge.

There is a possibility of limited storm surge from Anna Maria Island to the Anclote River.

Residents should also expect winds that may damage roofs, porches, awnings, carports, mobile homes and sheds and uproot trees. Some road may become impassable due to debris. Rivers and other bodies of water may overflow and cause flooding. Some bridges and causeways may become impassable.

Additionally, warned the weather service, the hurricane may spawn tornadoes. And Tampa Bay residents may experience scattered power and communications outages.

Patch is tracking every move of Tropical Storm Michael. Get all the updates on the storm by subscribing to Patch's free breaking news alerts and daily newsletters.

Residents are urged to make the following preparations:

• Have a plan for you and family members. (Accommodations, child/elder/pet care, etc.)
• Secure loose items around your home and yard. (Lawn chairs, umbrellas, trash cans, etc.)
• Stockpile disaster supplies including food, water, medications, batteries, flashlights, etc.
• Manufactured homes can only withstand winds of 70-90 mph. If you live in a manufactured home, monitor the storm's path closely and consider evacuating, if necessary.
• Low-lying areas are prone to flooding. If you live in a low-lying area, monitor the storm's path closely and consider evacuating, if necessary.
• Take photos of the contents of your home, and the exterior, in case you need to file an insurance claim.
• Maintain a list of important family numbers and contacts.

Tarpon Springs along the Anclote River has now opened three locations where residents can obtain sandbags:

• Tarpon Springs Splash Park parking lot: Live Oak Street at Strafford Avenue
• Dodecanese Boulevard at Roosevelt
• Dorsett Park – East Harrison Street at South Levis Avenue

Residents of Pasco County can get sandbags at these locations:

• Fire Station 17 in New Port Richey: 2951 Seven Springs Blvd.
• Veterans Memorial Park in Hudson: 14333 Hicks Road
• Magnolia Valley Golf Course Clubhouse in New Port Richey: 7223 Massachusetts Ave.
• C-Barn in San Antonio: 30908 Warder Road

Image via Pinellas County Government