Hurricane Ian: Timeline To Anticipated Devastation In Tampa Bay

TAMPA, FL — While it may be sunny in some parts of Tampa Bay on Tuesday afternoon, the scene outdoors will look a lot different in 24 hours as Hurricane Ian approaches.

A hurricane warning and storm surge warning are in effect for Tampa Bay, according to meteorologist Dan Noah with the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay.

Residents are urged to prepare for tropical storm-force winds of 50 to 60 mph with gusts of 90 mph starting early Wednesday morning and continuing through Friday morning, with the possibility of winds exceeding more than 110 mph.

The NWS said the winds will be a threat to both property and lives as Hurricane Ian moves closer. Residents should prepare for catastrophic damage from the extreme winds, which will be the equivalent of a Category 3 hurricane or higher.

Stay up-to-date by viewing all Hurricane Ian coverage on Patch here.

The winds have the potential to cause structural damage to sturdy buildings, some with complete roof and wall failures, and destroy mobile homes.

"Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks or months," said Noah.

Related: Hurricane Ian In Photos: FL Residents Prepare For Major Storm Ahead

Residents can expect to see numerous large trees snapped or uprooted, and fences and roadway signs blown over.

Many roads, causeways and bridges will become impassable due to large debris, especially in urban or heavily wooded places.

Additionally, residents should plan for widespread power and communications outages.

The National Weather Service said there's a potential for 5 to 8 feet of storm surge above ground in some surge-prone areas and flooding greater than 6 feet above ground beginning early Wednesday morning.

Large areas inundated with storm surge flooding could experience battering waves and structural damage to buildings, with some buildings washing away.

The damage will be compounded by floating debris.

Large sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads may be washed out or severely flooded. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed.

There may be severe beach erosion with significant dune loss and major damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks and piers.

Related:

• To Evacuate Or Not: Some Stay Put To Avoid Clogged Highways, Gas Lines
• Where To Find Gas In Tampa Bay Area: Hurricane Ian Evacuation
• Hurricane Ian Evacuation: Uber Offering Free Rides To Shelters

Many small craft will break away from moorings, especially in unprotected anchorages, with some lifted onshore and stranded.

Additionally, a flood watch is in effect throughout Tampa Bay, with 12 to 18 inches of rainfall possible. Rivers and tributaries may overflow their banks in many places with deep, moving water. Small streams, creeks, canals and ditches may become raging rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed.

Buildings throughout the area could be flooded, with some buildings becoming uninhabitable or washing away.

Escape routes and parking lots could flood. Underpasses may be submerged underwater and roads and bridges could be washed out or weakened, making them dangerous to cross.

The NWS said driving conditions will become very dangerous by Wednesday morning.

The hurricane could also spawn tornadoes. Several places may experience tornado damage including roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled and boats tossed about.

Listen for tornado watches and warnings. If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly.