Hurricanes have been ripping across the Caribbean and the southern United States lately — leaving a wake of devastation in their paths. Hurricane Irma is the most recent storm to wreak havoc on small Caribbean nation and southern coastal U.S. cities.
Hurricane Irma is causing a strange and terrifying phenomenon that is causing residents in coastal areas to fear the worst.
Due to the extremely high winds, and the very low barometric pressure, water is literally being sucked away from the shore. It’s a sight that is leaving people in utter disbelief.
National Weather Service meteorologist Ryan Rogers says that the phenomenon is like a reverse storm surge. When wind pushes water onto land, we get storm surge. What has happened in many areas is wind pushing water away from the shore instead.
A senator in Florida took to Twitter to share the bizarre sight.
Hours before Irma hits, the water is literally being sucked out of Tampa Bay. I took this photo at the end of my street.#IrmaHurricane pic.twitter.com/kxOP00mSjh
— Dana Young (@DanaYoungFL) September 10, 2017
The eerie event is a bit terrifying because it’s so reminiscent of the makings of a tsunami, and water rushing back in can cause devastating flooding. Storm surges from the returning water could range anywhere from two to 15 feet depending on the area.
Millions of residents across the hurricane path were witnessing the strange sight, and many were taking to social media to share the once-in-a-lifetime show.
Forget the Riverwalk, if you’ve ever wanted to literally walk through Tampa Bay now is your chance! #TBTIrma pic.twitter.com/E4rxQAyVX1
— Anastasia Dawson (@adawsonwrites) September 10, 2017
I am in disbelief right now… This is Long Island, Bahamas and the ocean water is missing!!! That’s as far as they see #HurricaneIrma wtf pic.twitter.com/AhPAonjO6s
— #ForeverFlourish (@Kaydi_K) September 9, 2017
Key Largo, FL | Ocean is literally being pulled out leaving boats on land but as winds change water will surge back ?pic.twitter.com/Dp5G0D44Av
— Mia❤️ (@missmagamia) September 10, 2017
The intense meteorological phenomenon isn’t just having an impact on those who witness it, but wildlife in the area is being affected as well.
During one outing in the middle of one of these strange “reverse surges,” some men came across two manatees that had become stranded in the mud. Thankfully — they were able to save both of them in time.
Isn’t this one of the strangest things you’ve ever seen? Imagine seeing it in person; it would be quite the event to witness. Want more footage? This
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