Michael Is Now A Hurricane: Latest On What Tampa Bay Can Expect
Michael is now a category 1 hurricane. Winds are up to 75MPH. The direction still seems to be pointed toward the panhandle making landfall Wednesday. By then they think it’ll be a Category 3 hurricane with winds up to 120MPH.
But for us here in Tampa Bay, although it’s passing to our northwest, forecasters say we’ll see higher tides and some storm surge. A tropical storm watch is up for our area. We’ll still see heavy winds and rain.
The good news is that one weird spaghetti model last night that had the hurricane coming toward Tampa has changed its mind.
#Michael could produce three life-threatening hazards along portions of the northeastern Gulf Coast: storm surge, heavy rainfall, and hurricane-force winds, with storm surge and hurricane watches in effect. Residents in these areas should follow advice given by local officials. pic.twitter.com/JZENNHSQTK
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 8, 2018
#MICHAEL | ICYMI, all of our coastal counties are under a Tropical Storm Watch except Sarasota County. This same area is under a Storm Surge Watch. This includes #Tampa, #StPete & #Clearwater. @abcactionnews #FLwx #TampaBay #HurricaneMichael pic.twitter.com/eIidy5b3zU
— Jason Adams (@JasonAdamsWFTS) October 8, 2018