Water in Tampa Bay was returning to normal levels Thursday. The area experienced 'reverse storm surge' that drove water away from the shoreline.

In the hours before Hurricane Milton hit, forecasters were worried it could send as much as 15 feet (4.5 meters) of water rushing onto the heavily populated shores of Florida's Tampa Bay. Instead, several feet of water temporarily drained away.

The state of Florida is being hit hard by Hurricane Milton. Many residents have been ordered to evacuate to get away from the potentially catastrophic damage caused by the powerful storm. Many areas of the state are dealing with damage already, including the home of the Tampa Bay Rays.