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Storm Surge

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

It’s important to understand how storm surge can affect your hurricane preparedness plan. This short article will help you find the facts if you live in South West Florida.

Surges are generally a very quick occurrence; flowing in and then out with destructive force. The speed at which they happen is part of the danger. The surge is caused, in part, by winds putting pressure on the surface of the water in the central area of the hurricane. This causes the water to “bulge” around the edges of the hurricane. This edge is the surge. If the hurricane is fast moving, this surge can come ashore at incredible speeds and literally rip apart anything in it’s path. When the surge recedes, an equal amount of force can pull objects and people out to sea.

Be aware of your flood zones. The Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council has posted flood zones by category.

How bad is the storm surge going to be? This is difficult to predict. Some regions have more tidal difference between high and low tide than others. The worst case scenario is that the hurricane makes land fall during high tide. NOAA has a useful tool to help determine tide levels.

Hurricane Charley passed directly over Captiva Island near Cayo Costa with peak winds of 150 mph (240 km/h). The Category 4 hurricane produced an estimated storm surge of up to 6.5 ft.

Pinellas County has also posted some good information about the dangers of flood zones.

Have more questions about storm surge? I’m ready for your comments!

Be Storm Smart!

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