As Hurricane Ian approaches, the wind pulls water out of Tampa Bay. Experts warn that it is dangerous to walk on it.
TAMPA, Fla. — Photo from Tampa PoliceThe St. Petersburg Police Department and the City of Venice show the exposed bottom of Tampa Bay after the water receded ahead of the expected landfall of Hurricane Jan.
Tampa police released images taken along the bay on Bayshore Boulevard, saying on Twitter that while the view is incredible, it is a clear sign that Hurricane Ian is approaching.
Photos taken at the Venice Fisherman’s Pier reflect the same. The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay added that the water will recede and no one should attempt to walk on the open bay floor anywhere the water is receding.
The St. Petersburg Police Department also released images of the same phenomenon at Lassing Park in the southeast corner of St. Petersburg, adding that Hurricane Ian was pulling water out of the bay, causing the water to recede.
This phenomenon is sometimes called “reverse storm surge” or “negative storm surge.” This occurs when the direction of the wind blows water away from the coast, causing the sea level to drop. In this case, Hurricane Ian rotates counterclockwise; its winds pull the water away from the bay.
This also happened in 2017 when Hurricane Irma hit Florida and pulled water out of Tampa Bay also due to the counterclockwise rotation of the wind.
PHOTO: A “reverse storm surge” is spotted in the Tampa Bay area
Hurricane Hacks from 10 Tampa Bay
https://www.wtol.com/article/weather/hurricane/why-is-tampa-bay-water-gone/67-71e43b74-0fb8-47be-b825-d7481710b5bf
