Storm Surge - Storm surge is a large dome of water often 50 to 100 miles wide
that sweeps across the coastline near where a hurricane makes landfall. The
surge of high water topped by waves is devastating. The stronger the hurricane
and the shallower the offshore water, the higher the surge will be. Along the
immediate coast, storm surge is the greatest threat to life and property.
If the storm surge arrives at the same time as the high tide, the water
height will be even greater. The storm tide is the combination of the storm
surge and the normal astronomical tide.
Storm Surge
over 6,000 people were killed in the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, the most
by the storm surgee.
Hurricane Camille in 1969 produced a 25-foot storm tide in Mississippi.
Hurricane Hugo in 1989 generated a 20-foot storm tide in South Carolina.
Heavy Rains/Floods
Widespread torrential rains often in excess of 6 inches can produce deadly
and destructive floods. This is the major threat to areas well inland.
Tropical Storm Claudette (1979) brought 45 inches of rain to an area near
Alvin, Texas, contributing to more than $600 million* in damage.
Long after the winds of Hurricane Diane (1955) subsided, the storm brought
floods to Pennsylvania, New York, and New England that contributed to nearly 200
deaths and $4.2 billion* in damage.
Hurricane Agnes (1972) fused with another storm system, producing floods in
the United States which contributed to 122 deaths and $6.4 billion* in damage.
* Adjusted to 1990 dollars
Winds
Hurricane-force winds, 74 mph or more, can destroy poorly constructed
buildings and mobile homes. Debris, such as signs, roofing material, siding, and
small items left outside, become flying missiles in hurricanes. Winds often stay
above hurricane strength well inland.
Hugo (1989) battered Charlotte, North Carolina (which is about 175 miles
inland), with gusts to near 100 mph, downing trees and power lines and causing
massive disruption.
Tornadoes
Hurricanes also produce tornadoes, which add to the hurricane's destructive
power. These tornadoes most often occur in thunderstorms embedded in rain bands
well away from the center of the hurricane. However, they can also occurnear the
eyewall.
Areas At Risk
Coastal Areas and Barrier Islands. All Atlantic and Gulf coastal
areas are subject to hurricanes or tropical storms. Although rarely struck by
hurricanes, parts of the Southwest United States and Pacific Coast suffer heavy
rains and floods each year from the remnants of hurricanes spawned off Mexico.
Islands, such as Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, and Puerto Rico, are also subject
to hurricanes. During 1993, Guam was battered by five typhoons. Hurricane Iniki
struck the island of Kauai, Hawaii, on September 11, 1992, resulting in $1.8
billion damage. Due to the limited number of evacuation routes, barrier
islands are especially vulnerable to hurricanes. People on barrier islands and
in vulnerable coastal areas may be asked by local officials to evacuate well in
advance of a hurricane landfall. If you are asked to evacuate, do soIMMEDIATELY!
Inland Areas Hurricanes affect inland areas with high winds, floods,
and tornadoes. Listen carefully to local authorities to determine what threats
you can expect and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself, your
family, and your property.
Memorable Hurricanes
Camille - August 14-22, 1969: 27 inches of rain in Virginia caused severe
flash flooding.
Agnes - June 14-22, 1972: Devastating floods from North Carolina to New York
produced many record-breaking river crests. The storm generated 15 tornadoes in
Florida and 2 in Georgia.
Hugo - September 10-22, 1989: Wind gusts reached nearly 100 mph as far
inland as Charlotte, North Carolina. Hugo sustained hurricane-strength winds
until shortly after it passed west of Charlotte.
Andrew - August 16-28, 1992: Damage in the United States is estimated at $25
billion, making Andrew the most expensive hurricane in United States history.
Wind gusts in South Florida were estimated to be at least 175 mph.