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.

Milton could thrust 15 feet of surge across parts of Florida’s coast between Fort Myers Beach and Crystal River before crossing the state and bringing up to 5 feet of surge to parts of the east coast.