Storm Surge
The greatest potential for loss of life related to a hurricane is from the storm surge!
Storm surge is simply water that is pushed toward the shore by the
force of the winds swirling around the storm. This advancing surge
combines with the normal tides to create the hurricane storm tide,
which can increase the mean water level to heights impacting roads,
homes and other critical infrastructure. In addition, wind driven waves
are superimposed on the storm tide. This rise in water level can cause
severe flooding in coastal areas, particularly when the storm tide
coincides with the normal high tides. Because much of the United
States' densely populated Atlantic and Gulf Coast coastlines lie less
than 10 feet above mean sea level, the danger from storm tides is
tremendous.
The storm surge combined with wave action can cause extensive
damage, severely erode beaches and coastal highways. With major storm
like Katrina, Camille, and Hugo, complete devastation of coastal
communities occurred. Many buildings withstand hurricane force winds
until their foundations, undermined by erosion, are weakened and fail.
