Intensity of an Open-Water Storm in Tampa, Fla., during the 1943-1943 Hurricane and the 1943–1943 Exit from Bayfront Park
The intensity of an open-water storm system is shown by using the Saffir–Simpson scale. It should not be the end-all for assessing the threats.
In 1943, a US Army Air Corps pilot flew a two-person propeller plane into the eye of aHurricane on a barroom dare, and then repeat it with a meteorologist on board. This gave birth to many innovations like aerial surveys but they were still unable to express the level of danger because of the lack of data on how much barometric pressure in the storm had fallen.
“The public needs to not focus totally on the number in the category,” says Erik Salna, a meteorologist at the International Hurricane Research Center at Florida International University. It will still have that power and force on the water even though it was already a major Hurricane. And the biggest killer is water, not the wind.”
Many woke up happy and relieved that the impact of the storm wasn’t as bad as they had been led to believe. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who shared that sentiment, cautioned Thursday that, as recovery efforts and damage assessments continue for some time, things will not return to normal immediately.
But while Milton’s wind speed was reduced, the inundation of water forecast for Florida remained just as massive as before. Tampa, a city of 3 million that hasn’t taken such a direct hit in a century, faces a storm surge of 10 to 15 feet, along with nearby St. Petersburg and Sarasota, according to the National Hurricane Center. Less than two weeks ago, Hurricane Hanson pushed an 8-foot surge into the area. Central and northern Florida could also see 12 inches of rainfall, with up to 18 inches in isolated areas.
John said that while it was a first-class marina, it just goes toshow you the strength of a storm. “I think we got lucky quite honestly.”
A dock and a boat had been thrown out of the water into the park. Crowds of people took photos and videos of the marooned vessels, shocked by the winds that could move large boats out of the water.
She talked to NPR while she and her husband walked in Bayfront Park, where a boat teetered on its heads after being pushed from its moorings by strong winds.
Orlando’s Hurricane Harvey Surrounded the Sarasota Key, where Marilyn Keemer and David Conflitti grew up and lived through 12 years
Marilyn Keemer said she and her husband’s home in Lakewood Ranch lost power, but they experienced none of the threatened storm surges or flooding from Milton.
And along Sarasota’s marina, dozens of people walked along the piers, gazing at many boats still tethered to the pier and marveling at how the vessels avoided major damage.
Throughout Sarasota, trees and other debris littered streets and sidewalks and many of the city’s street lights weren’t working. As the morning progressed, the roads were busy with people waiting to return home to look at the damage.
Floridians like Conflitti were able to see the damage to their homes and businesses. Three million customers were without electricity as of late Thursday due to the strong winds from the storm. More than 100 tornado warnings were issued and four people were killed by tornadoes in St. Lucie County, on the state’s eastern coast.
“It’s shocking,” Conflitti said when he returned to his home of 12 years. I did not expect it. Of all the hurricanes we’ve had, it’s never been this bad.”
Milton Milton Flood in Charlotte Harbor, Fla., Dec. 3 : A Category 3 Hurricane Meteorized by Wind and Waves Near Fort Worth Beach
The peak water levels were between 5 to 10 feet above the ground level at Fort Worth Beach and Charlotte Harbor, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The front wall of the property was destroyed by the wind and storm surge. One of his cars — an orange sports car — seemed to have been carried by the water and smashed against the house.
Milton made landfall around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday near Siesta Key, about 48 miles northwest of Charlotte Harbor. It landed as a Category 3 hurricane, and its effect was heavily felt in the cities south of Siesta Key.
CHARLOTTE HARBOR, Fla. — Rick Conflitti and his girlfriend were having a discussion about whether or not they needed to leave their home before the storm hit.