A storm surge warning is an alert issued by the National Hurricane Center (NHC). This specific warning informs residents of the “danger of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline somewhere within the specified area, generally within 36 hours.” Storm surge is “life-threatening” and can significantly impact lives as well as homes, roads, and entire communities. While coastal Florida residents are the most in danger, storm surges can travel inland. And they can hit rivers and bays connected to the ocean, causing inundation several miles inland.
A storm surge warning is more than a head-up—it’s a crucial part of the Florida framework for public safety, especially during a hurricane. Understanding a storm surge warning can differentiate between a well-informed response and being too late.
Paying attention to warnings about storm surge is critical. Storm surge is often classified as the “greatest threat to life and property from a landfalling tropical storm or hurricane.” For instance, in 2021, NHC data showed that more than 80% of hurricane-related deaths were due to flooding from severe storm surges, emphasizing how critical it is to heed warnings and prepare accordingly.
Tools for Tracking and Preparing: Storm Surge and Hurricane Trajectory Maps
There are many types of storm surge risk maps available. When there is an active storm there will be forecasts for storm surge for specified areas. It is best to pay attention to specific surge maps if you are affected by a storm surge warning for a specific storm.
There are also storm surge risk maps, which show depictions of storm surge vulnerability for different areas. You can navigate to and use the NHC’s Storm Surge Risk Map to view your area’s risk for different categories of storms.
Available online, storm surge maps display potential areas at risk for storm surges, often color-coded for more straightforward interpretation. In NHC’s storm surge risk map risk is color coded from blue to red. You can see an example of this risk map for Southwest Florida below.
These go-to guides help you understand how high water may rise and how far inland it may travel during a hurricane. This is critical as it allos Florida residents to prepare and protect their communities in anticipation of the worst. It is also eye-opening as you can visually see that storm surge does not affect only immediate coastlines. As you can see in the map above the risk zone goes inland quite a bit. This means it is not only those on the immediate coastline that should take notice.
The NHC uses information about a hurricane’s category and trajectory to estimate the depth and reach of a storm surge in different locations. These maps show your community’s vulnerability, helping you visualize potential impact and better prepare for damage. The maps are designed with simulations of accurate storm data, meaning they can show you if a surge could reach your basement or, worse, flood your entire property with rising water.
Hurricanes and Storm Surges that Left Their Mark on Florida Through the Years
Florida has a history of notorious hurricanes. And along with those landfalls have come significant storm surges. Here are a few record-setting moments where Mother Nature reminded Floridians how powerful she can be.
- Hurricane Andrew (1992). Andrew’s storm surge reached 17 feet in Biscayne Bay, causing massive flooding and damage to Homestead and surrounding communities. The impact was a kickstart for stricter building codes and better emergency response protocols throughout Florida.
- Hurricane Opal (1995). Storm surge was recorded as high as 12 feet along the Florida Panhandle.
- Hurricane Katrina (2005). While more infamous for its impact on New Orleans and Mississippi, Katrina left its mark on Florida as well. Storm surge in Mississippi were as high as 28 feet. In Florida, Katrina brought surges up to 5 feet that caused flood damage to roads and homes. This hurricane was an intense game-changer for many, sparking national discussion about storm surge and hurricane preparedness.
- Hurricane Irma (2017). Irma’s storm surge caused flooding in the Florida Keys, reaching 10 feet in some areas. The storm caused flooding along many water bodies, not just on the coast. The extensive damage led to significant economic losses, and Irma reinforced the notion that no area is immune to the threats of a hurricane.
- Hurricane Michael (2018). This hurricane’s storm surges reached 14 feet, flooding the Florida Panhandle. It landed as a Category 5, turning coastal towns into marshes within hours. The surge impacted areas previously considered safe zones, highlighting the importance of updated building codes and emergency preparations.
- Hurricane Ian (2022). Hurricane 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.
Is a Storm Surge the Same as High Tides?
It’s easy to confuse storm surges with high tides because both phenomena lead to higher-than-average water levels. However, high tides are predictable, charted with the moon’s and sun’s gravitational pull, and vary by season and lunar phase. Plus, high tides typically have minor effects on coastal communities.
In contrast, storm surges are unpredictable and sudden, with intense flooding as a signature. Where high tides ebb and flow, storm surges push inward, becoming a powerful and destructive force. For Florida’s coastal communities, understanding the difference is vital. It highlights the need for storm surge-specific prep, like elevated structures and hurricane shutters.
How You Can Protect Yourself, Your Loved Ones, and Your Home from Storm Surges
- Stay alert and informed. Sign up for local and national weather alerts for your area. Know what a watch vs warning means, and take the appropriate action instructed by your local authorities.
- Map Your Evacuation Route and have an evacuation plan. Don’t wait until the water’s rising! If you are told to evacuate it is for good reason. Know the best evacuation routes like the back of your hand. Get out early to avoid being stuck behind.
- Elevate the Important Stuff. Elevate your belongings and appliances. Move them to higher ground to reduce the chance of water damage.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit. Include the essentials: food, water, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit. Pack essential documents into waterproof bags to keep them safe from damage.
- Double-Check Your Insurance. Flood damage isn’t covered under regular homeowner’s insurance. If you are at risk of storm surge getting a flood insurance policy is a good investment.
Protect Your Home with Eurex Shutters
While hurricanes alone may sound intimidating, data shows that storm surges have caused more significant damage to Florida’s coastline than the wind. They are also a significant cause of life-loss during a hurricane. The lesson here is always to take storm surge warnings seriously and have a plan.
Preparing for hurricanes means understanding the risks; storm surges are among the most dangerous. Investing in top-notch storm protection products in Southwest Florida is essential to protect your home and loved ones. Eurex Shutters offers durable, reliable hurricane shutters that withstand Florida’s fiercest storms. Our shutters are designed to give you peace of mind and protect against the unexpected.
Act now to fortify your home against hurricanes. Contact Eurex Shutters for a consultation or to start your project.
Or call (239) 369-8600 for immediate service.
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