Can storm surge happen inland?
Storm surge can penetrate well inland from the coastline. During Hurricane Ike, the surge moved inland nearly 30 miles in some locations in southeastern Texas and southwestern Louisiana. All locations along the U.S. East and Gulf coasts are vulnerable to storm surge.
How far inland does storm surge go for Katrina?
6 miles Katrina's powerful right-front quadrant passed over the west and central Mississippi coast, causing a powerful 27-foot (8.2 m) storm surge, which penetrated 6 miles (10 km) inland in many areas and up to 12 miles (19 km) inland along bays and rivers; in some areas, the surge crossed Interstate 10 for several miles.
How many miles can storm surge extend?
Storm surge can reach heights of more than 12 m (40 ft) near the center of a Category 5 hurricane, and fan out across several hundred miles of coastline, gradually diminishing away from the hurricane's center. Coastal flooding can reach far inland, tens of miles from the shoreline.
How far inland can a hurricane flood?
Winds associated with a hurricane are most intense near the center of the storm. As a storm moves inland, winds rapidly decrease, but hurricane force winds can be felt as far as 150 miles inland. The stronger and faster the storm is moving, the further inland hurricane force winds will be felt.
How far inland does a 15 foot storm surge go?
If Hurricane Skittlebip pushes a 15-foot storm surge inland, the water will be 15 feet deep where the coastline is at sea level. If a parking lot a few thousand feet from the coast is 5 feet above sea level, that 15-foot storm surge would only (“only”) be about 10 feet deep at that point.
What is the highest storm surge ever recorded?
The all-time record for highest U.S. storm surge is Hurricane Katrina's 27.8 feet in Pass Christian, Mississippi in 2005 (measured from a “still water” mark found inside a building where waves couldn't reach).
How do you survive a storm surge?
Stay inside where you are protected from the water. It's best to be on the downwind side of the house, away from windows. Monitor the storm's progress and listen for warnings or instructions from local officials.
How far inland can a Category 5 hurricane go?
Hurricanes can travel up to 100 – 200 miles inland. However, once a hurricane moves inland, it can no longer draw on heat energy from the ocean and weakens rapidly to a tropical storm (39 to 73 mph winds) or tropical depression.
How long does a storm surge last?
Depending on the size and track of the hurricane, storm surge flooding can last for several hours. It then recedes after the storm passes. Water level heights during a hurricane can reach 20 feet or more above normal sea level. With powerful waves on top of it, a hurricane's storm surge can cause catastrophic damage.