The event, called a reverse storm surge, also occurred during Hurricane Ian in 2022 and Hurricane Irma in 2017. As heavy winds from Milton whip from land into the Atlantic Ocean, water levels are dropping significantly, exposing a bare sandy shoreline where water usually sits.

Reverse storm surge happens when the wind from the storm pushes the excess water away from shore instead of pushing it onto the coast and it happened during Hurricanes Irma and Ian. WeatherTiger meteorologist Ryan Truchelut told USA TODAY that if Milton makes landfall to the south of Tampa Bay, it could happen again.

As Hurricane Milton intensified on its path toward Florida's Gulf Coast, the strength of the system increased the severity of the storm surge forecast.