johngaltfla wrote:NFLnut wrote:Tampa would probably never see devastation as did NOLA. Discounting the "Perfect Storm" hitting from the southwest and driving water up the bay, Tampa does not sit in a bowl, surrounded by a major river and low marshes as does NO.
Sorry. The USF profs have already run the models. A cat 3 could flood 10-15 miles inland. Consider this; most of the Tampa area is only 1-3 feet above sea level.
It would be devestating.
I hear 'ya John... Now living in this area, I've had the first-hand opportunity to see the congestion of Pinellas County, the low-level approaches to all three bridges over the Bay, and the huge full-time population out here on the beaches from Sarasota up to Clearwater and you are absolutely right. A Katrina-like hit in this area will make the NO/MS result pale in comparison. Devastating in every sense of the word. Add to that the fact that folks in this community have had virtually
NO hurricane experience in decades, and the level of "true" preparedness and "real" awareness takes on a whole new meaning. If we think Nagin and Blanco had a problem with Katrina, I'd hate to see what the officials around here are going to have to deal with if (when??) the same happens here...
I know this graphic may be a little annoying and corny, but the truth - as you stated - is that there are MANY in this area who are woefully unaware. Most probably, there area many in SEVERAL areas who are woefully unaware...
As an aside, while Tampa may not be surrounded by low marshes, it IS surrounded by low mangroves and concrete, pavement, and new vegetation in newly-developed areas. All of those conditions will surely do little to slow or hinder a storm surge... Actually, low-lying marshes would probably bode better for the city.