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Hurricane Risk for Tampa, FL

No tropical storms currently threaten the Tampa Bay area. The next one could form quickly though — get alerts before they make the news.

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On this page
  1. By the numbers
  2. Most recent hurricane
  3. Strongest ever
  4. Closest approach
  5. When hurricanes hit
  6. Recent notable storms
  7. Preparedness

Since 1852, 203 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 150 miles of Tampa. Here's what you should know.

Local note: The shallow shelf and funnel shape of Tampa Bay make storm surge the single biggest threat from any westerly approach — major surge events have come from storms passing 100+ miles offshore.

By the numbers

Total storms
203
since 1852
Major (Cat 3+)
49
at closest approach
Hurricanes (Cat 1+)
120
all categories
County
Hillsborough County
Florida

Most recent hurricane

Milton (2024)

Passed within 39 miles of Tampa on October 10, 2024. Peak intensity: Cat 5 (178 mph).

The full risk breakdown for Tampa

See the strongest and closest hurricanes ever to pass nearby, the month-by-month climatology of when storms hit Tampa, the notable storms of the last 20 years, and any active-storm threat — plus free location-based alerts.

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Preparedness

  1. Know your zone. Tampa is in Hillsborough County — look up your evacuation zone here.
  2. Get alerts early. Sign up below — we'll notify you when storms first form in the basin, not just when they're at your doorstep.
  3. Have 3+ days of supplies. Water (1 gal/person/day), non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, cash.
  4. Have an evacuation plan. Know where you'll go, how you'll get there, what you'll bring.
  5. Follow official orders. If your zone is told to evacuate, leave. Don't wait.