A combination of unrelenting rains and strong storm surge prompted officials to issue flash flood warnings in western and Central Florida.

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.

Surge prone areas could see 5-8 feet of water above ground in and around Naples, according to a warning from the National Hurricane Center. The NHC is particularly concerned with the surge through Thursday evening. Other places included in the warning is Marco Island and Everglades City.