Tropical Storm Elsa could affect red tide flowers in Tampa Bay

Water experts said the storm is likely to have an impact on current red tide concentrations in Tampa Bay.

Water experts said depending on which route tropical storm Elsa takes, it could affect red tide concentrations in Tampa Bay.

At the University of Florida, Lisa Krimsky is the regional water resources specialist and studies Red Tide. Krimsky said that depending on what the storm does, it will depend on whether the red tide improves or worsens.

Much depends on the wind direction.

“If the wind comes from the west, we have the potential for the hurricane to make it worse,” said Krimsky. If the wind is from the east, that could be good news for Tampa Bay.

RELATED: Here’s the difference between hurricane / tropical storm clocks and warnings

“If the wind blows the other way, there is a possibility that the hurricane could displace the existing red tide in cells out of Tampa Bay,” added Krimsky.

Another impact could be a storm surge.

“Storm surges could drive these red tidal cells closer to the coast,” said Krimsky.

Krimsky said it is too early to know what will happen as the storm can change along with red tide concentrations.

“It will depend on what the red tide concentrations are at the time of the hurricane,” added Krimsky.

Krimsky explained with storms and red tide that it is difficult to predict far in advance.

“What happens between now and next week, when the storm is likely to strike, can change a lot,” said Krimsky.

RELATED: Dozens of dead fish wash up along Bayshore Boulevard

What others are reading right now:

► Breaking news and weather warnings: Get the Free 10 Tampa Bay App

The post Tropical Storm Elsa could affect red tide flowers in Tampa Bay first appeared on Daily Florida Press.

from Daily Florida Press https://dailyfloridapress.com/tropical-storm-elsa-could-affect-red-tide-flowers-in-tampa-bay/