Spared the worst, Tampa Bay saw record rainfall and 100+ mph gusts

Hurricane Milton brought unprecedented weather to Tampa Bay, with the region experiencing record rainfall and wind gusts exceeding 100 mph. The National Weather Service reported maximum gusts of 105 mph at Egmont Channel and significant rainfall totaling 18. 75 inches at Albert Whitted Airport. These conditions led meteorologists to label the event as a potential 1-in-500 to 1-in-1,000-year rainfall occurrence, highlighting its rarity and severity. Storm surge was less of a concern due to the hurricane's track, which resulted in negative surge values in Tampa Bay.

Despite being spared the worst, the area faced widespread impacts, including power outages and road closures. Officials urged residents to avoid travel while cleanup crews worked diligently to restore normalcy. This event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of hurricanes and the need for ongoing vigilance. The community's resilience will be tested as recovery efforts continue in the wake of this significant weather event.