Mayor Hopes Tampa's 100-Year Record Of No Hurricanes Holds

TAMPA, FL — This year is the 100th anniversary of the last hurricane to make landfall in Tampa Bay, and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor is keeping her fingers crossed that the record holds this season.

The Tampa Bay hurricane of 1921 (also known as the 1921 Tarpon Springs hurricane) began as a tropical storm and became a Category 4 hurricane on Oct. 24 with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph.

It weakened to a Category 3 hurricane before making landfall near Tarpon Springs and fizzled out four days later, but not before causing major flooding and damaging buildings in Ballast Point, Hyde Park and along Bayshore Boulevard. The hurricane killed four people in Tampa. Three drowned and one died after touching a live wire.

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During a news conference Tuesday, Castor said she isn't expecting anywhere near this level of devastation from Tropical Storm Elsa.

In fact, she fully expects to see the Bolts face the Canadiens at Amalie Arena Wednesday night in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

"We're quite certain we'll be having the Lightning game and hoisting that trophy," she said.

Nevertheless, she's issued a state of emergency for the city and is urging residents to prepare for heavy rains, storm surge and tropical storm-force winds that can cause road flooding, damage homes and knock out power.

"We ask everyone to take all necessary steps to protect yourselves and your homes," she said, using the adage, "Run from the water and hide from the wind."

Movable bridges operated by the city will close after wind speeds reach 35 mph or higher. The bridges will stay in the closed position and the power will be shut down until the danger has passed.

The city also said fire rescue crews will not be dispatched to assist residents when winds reach 45 mph Tuesday night. City officials are urging Tampa residents to remain at home or find another safe place to ride out the storm.

Related:

• Tropical Storm Elsa: How To Prepare For Power Outages
• TS Elsa Causes Flight Cancellations At St. Pete-Clearwater (PIE)
• Coast Guard Declares Port Condition Zulu For Port Of Tampa
• Feeding Tampa Bay Preparing To Provide Food, Water After Storm