Hurricane Storm Surge Can Be Deadly
Release Date: May 22, 2006
Release Number: 1604-358
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BILOXI , Miss. -- Strong winds usually get top billing in hurricane news reports but, as Hurricane Katrina victims along Mississippi 's Gulf Coast learned on Aug. 29, storm surges can be just as devastating. That's one more reason to be prepared for the 2006 hurricane season that begins June 1, officials of the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) warn.
Hurricane Katrina's 30-35-foot storm surge destroyed thousands of buildings and flooded thousands more along the Gulf Coast . The combination of a strong storm surge and high tide can be deadly, considering the shallow continental shelf along Mississippi 's Gulf Coast that lets the storm surge flow far inland.
"The storm surge presents the greatest potential for loss of life during a hurricane," said Jesse Munoz, acting director of the transitional recovery office for the Mississippi Hurricane Katrina recovery. "It is especially important that residents along the Gulf Coast be prepared to evacuate in advance of a hurricane."
Preparing for evacuation is the Week 7 theme of Mississippi's Eight-Week "Stay Alert. Stay Alive" Hurricane Preparedness campaign. May 21-27 also is National Hurricane Preparedness Week.
Storm surge is water pushed toward shore by winds swirling around a hurricane or other storm. This advancing surge combines with normal tides to create the hurricane storm tide, which can raise the mean water level 15 feet or more — up to 35 feet during Hurricane Katrina. The addition of wind-driven waves can cause severe flooding in coastal areas, particularly when the storm tide coincides with normal high tides.
A shallow slope, such as Mississippi 's, off the coast will allow a greater surge to inundate coastal communities. Storm tides, waves, and currents in confined harbors severely damage ships, marinas, and pleasure boats.
The storm surge combined with wave action can severely erode beaches and coastal highways. Hurricane Katrina caused complete devastation of some coastal communities. Many buildings withstand hurricane force winds until their foundations, undermined by erosion, are weakened and fail.
FEMA and MEMA officials advise residents faced with the double whammy of high winds and storm surge to be prepared — put together personal evacuation kits and evacuate when local emergency managers give the word.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 23-May-2006 06:58:11