Florida's Record Breaking Storm Surges

Florida has unfortunately been no stranger to Mother Nature’s most intense hurricanes. Known for torrential rainfall and high-speed winds, hurricane winds can cause significant damage to both coastal and inland communities. But hurricanes also bring storm surge, which can leave an even more significant mark on both homes and lives.

Storm surges are fast-moving, catastrophic walls of seawater pushed inland by the hurricane’s powerful winds. A surge can rise quickly, flooding streets, homes, and neighborhoods. The power of storm surge has enough force to level homes. This unfortunately has the potential to leave Florida’s coastlines in shambles.

This article explores some of the most significant storm surges in Florida’s hurricane history. It also examines what coastal communities are doing to prepare for future hurricanes and potential storm surges. Our goal is to open readers’ eyes to the risks of hurricane storm surge so they can better prepare and make better decisions in order to keep safe. Although these are examples of previous storms, storm surge is an ongoing risk, which all residents in Florida should be aware of.

Why Florida is Especially Vulnerable to Storm Surges

Florida’s location, shape, and dense population make it one of the nation’s most vulnerable coastal states to both hurricanes and storm surges. Florida has over 8,400 miles of shoreline, low land elevations, and much of its population lives near the Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico or other waterways. As a result, Florida residents always have a risk of severe flooding when hurricanes hit.

Around 40% of Florida’s population resides in coastal counties. This means millions of Floridians can be affected when a storm surge hits. The west side of the state is especially at risk. The Gulf of Mexico’s shallow shelf and Florida’s low-lying terrain only add to the danger, making storm surges easier to penetrate great distances inland. According to FEMA storm surge has been known to travel up to 25 miles inland. This means not only those on the immediate coast are at risk.

A Look Back at Florida’s Record Breaking Storm Surges

Below are some of the most extreme hurricane-related storm surge events recorded in Florida.

Hurricane Andrew (1992): A Record Breaking Storm Surge that Changed Florida’s Coastline

Hurricane Andrew is often remembered for its devastating winds. However, its storm surge impacted Florida’s southern coastline. When Andrew landed near Homestead Florida as a Category 5 hurricane, it brought a 17-foot surge to areas along Biscayne Bay. The surge wiped out thousands of homes, reshaped the shoreline, and caused over $27 billion in damages—making it the costliest hurricane (at the time) in the United States.

The destruction was so severe that it changed Florida’s building codes, raising construction standards to withstand stronger storms and dangerous surges.

Hurricane Irma (2017): Devastation and Record Storm Surges

When Hurricane Irma came through Florida in 2017, it was one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Atlantic. As a Category 4 hurricane, Irma hit the Florida Keys, moving up the state and bringing storm surges of 10 to 15 feet. The result was flooded streets in Miami, downtown Naples resembled a lake, and more.

In some Florida communities, the flooding from Hurricane Irma’s storm surge was made worse by the double whammy effect of high tide that pushed water further inland. The total damage from Irma was a staggering $50 billion, mainly attributed to flooding and storm surge effects.

Hurricane Michael (2018): A Category 5 Surge to Remember

Hurricane Michael in 2018 was a monster storm, landing as a Category 5 hurricane on the Florida Panhandle. It was the first storm to land there at its strength in Florida’s recorded history.

Michael’s storm surge reached 14 feet in areas like Port St. Joe and Mexico Beach, decimating neighborhoods. Streets disappeared under a relentless seawater rush, and buildings were leveled or swept off their foundations. The financial toll came in at $25 billion, and over 50 fatalities were reported, with dozens more individuals missing. Recovery efforts were extensive and took years, setting a major recovery for the Panhandle.

Hurricane Ian (2022): Record Breaking Storm Surges Throughout Southwest Florida

Hurricane Ian in August 2022 was one of the most destructive storms ever not only in Florida, but in the United States as a whole. Ian brought storm surge of 12 to 18 feet along the coast of Southwest Florida. The 13.8 ft storm surge was the highest ever experienced in Southwest Florida. It brought significant damage to coastal communities and travelled as far as 25 miles from some reports. Damage was recorded at a staggering $113 billion.

How Sea Level Changes Could Make Future Storm Surges Worse

While some debate exists, there is some that believe that storm surges are worsening as sea levels are rising. According to the Florida Climate Center, the rate of sea level rise is accelerating. For example, sea levels around Virginia Key have risen 1 inch every 3 years, and have risen 8 inches since 1950. With sea levels in Florida said to be rising, even small storm surges could have a more substantial effect than it did decades ago. Higher base water levels mean that when hurricanes strike, the surge doesn’t need to push as hard or travel as far to reach populated inland areas.

Predictions for the coming century aren’t optimistic. Some NHC models estimate Florida’s sea levels could rise another six feet by 2100. These could be extreme or realistic. That is for the experts to determine. However, levels do appear to be rising. An this could make future storm surges more severe, even with milder hurricanes or tropical storms.

How Coastal Communities are Preparing for Future Surges

Florida communities are living on the front lines of storm surge risks. In some communities preparations are underway to mitigate damage against storm surge and flooding. Many towns are investing in storm surge barriers, seawalls, and improved drainage systems to help manage flooding impacts. Some cities have also focused on restoring natural obstacles, like mangroves and dunes, to absorb some of the surge’s force while reducing inland flooding.

On a broader level, state agencies are updating Florida building codes to enforce stricter standards on coastal properties, requiring higher elevation for homes and businesses. Florida residents are encouraged to plan by securing flood insurance, creating evacuation plans, staying informed of weather patterns, and equipping homes with preventive measures like hurricane shutters (for wind) and floor barriers and gates (for flooding).

As time goes on, building codes will update and technology will improve. But the question remains, what is the solution to protect homes and communities from increasing high storm surge.

The goal is to keep Florida communities resilient, ensuring residents are equipped to protect themselves and their properties when the next big hurricane or storm surge comes.

Protecting Your Home and Family from the Next Big Storm Surge

While cities are doing their best to strengthen defenses, personal preparation is essential to staying safe during hurricanes and storm surges. Evacuation orders are primarily given due to the risk of life-loss from dangerous water inundation. And while you can take some steps to prepare your home, certain situations require evacuation for your safety.

Some critical steps for protecting your home and family include:

Know Your Evacuation Route. Have a clear plan for evacuating your area, especially if you live in a flood-prone zone or an area with a high storm surge risk. Keep a packed emergency kit (one per person in your household) that includes bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and important documents (in a waterproof bag).
Prepare Your Home for Flooding. Secure loose outdoor furniture and move valuable belongings elsewhere, like on your home’s second floor (if applicable). Elevate your appliances and belongings where possible. Sandbags can help reduce water intrusion through window cracks, gaps in house foundation, and under doors. Use waterproofing measures and flood barrier products, such as flood gates, flood barriers, flood doors, etc.
Remain Attentive and Aware. Stay informed by following local weather forecasts and listening to NHC alerts. When a storm surge warning is issued, act quickly because rising waters can approach faster than you may expect.

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Florida’s Record Breaking Storm Surges