Storm Surge in Florida, January 2 to 3, 1999

Storm surge, partly enhanced by a fast moving squall-line that extended perpendicular to the West Florida peninsula, produced damage to homes and businesses along the immediate coast. In Pasco county, storm surge of 5.5 to 6.0 feet above astronomical tides caused flood damage to nearly 300 homes west of the U.S. Highway 19 corridor. The most devastated areas were the Signal Cove and Driftwood Isle subdivisions in Hudsons Beach and at the Manor Beach and Green Key Estates subdivision in New Port Richey. Most homes received four to six inches of floodwaters during the peak of the surge.In Pinellas county, storm surge of 3.0 to 4.0 feet above astronomical tides caused flood damage to less than 30 homes and three businesses, mainly west of the U.S. Highway 19 corridor. Most of the coastal flooding occurred from Anclote Key south to Clearwater.In Manatee county, storm surge of 3.0 to 4.0 feet above astronomical tides caused flood damage to less than 50 homes and pushed a few dry-docked boats into coastal streets. Coastal roads along Longboat Key were overtaken by water at a few locations.In Hernando county, storm surge of 2.0 to 3.0 feet above astronomical tides caused minor flood damage to homes along the immediate coast. Water breached seawalls at a few locations and a handful of coastal roadways were flooded during the peak of the surge.In Hillsborough county, storm surge of less than three feet caused no reported flooding of roadways or homes.