NBC News reports:
A storm surge warning is in effect for the Tampa Bay area, which means deadly inundation could hit within the next 48 hours. A surge of up to 10 feet of ocean water and 16 inches of rain was predicted across the Tampa Bay area, with as much as 24 inches in isolated areas. That’s enough water to inundate low-lying coastal communities. The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast, near and to the right of the center, where the surge will be accompanied by large waves, NHC says.
The Washington Post reports:
The precise size and strength of Ian, as well as what path it ultimately will carve as it ambles up the Gulf of Mexico, remained uncertain on Monday evening. But this much is clear: The Tampa Bay region that lies in its crosshairs, with nearly 700 miles of shoreline and more than 3 million residents, is one of the most vulnerable places in the United States to severe flooding if a catastrophic hurricane were to score a direct hit.
The Weather Channel reports:
Storm surge flooding could begin in far South Florida late Tuesday, and in the rest of western Florida starting Wednesday. The peak surge, possibly up to 10 feet, will occur near and south of where the center makes landfall in western Florida on Wednesday or Thursday. That could be anywhere from near the Tampa area to near the Fort Myers area. Evacuate if you are ordered to do so or you could be putting yourself at serious risk.
Hurricane & Tropical Storm Warnings for #Ian are in effect for much of the west coast of Florida. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion. Today is your last day to prepare and follow evacuation orders from local officials. https://t.co/cy01fM7Od6 pic.twitter.com/qAwQAHpjDG
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 27, 2022
The precise size, strength and path of Ian remains uncertain.
But the Tampa Bay region that lies in its crosshairs is one of the most vulnerable places in the United States to severe flooding. https://t.co/F7m3Xmrqwz
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) September 27, 2022
Current rainfall forecasts from NWS also may adjust, but you get the sense of the enormous totals from #MajorHurricaneIan expected b/c of its slow movement offshore or onshore Florida.
Large stripe of 12-inches up to 19-inches north of eye center in next 3-days.
NWS data: pic.twitter.com/lDPwo5WVVN
— Ryan Maue (@RyanMaue) September 27, 2022