Storm Surge Maps
According to NOAA, a storm surge is an abnormal rise of water generated
by a storm, over and above the predicted astronomical tides. Storm surge
should not be confused with storm tide, which is defined as the water
level rise due to the combination of storm surge and the astronomical
tide. This rise in water level can cause extreme flooding in coastal
areas particularly when storm surge coincides with normal high tide,
resulting in storm tides reaching up to 20 feet or more in some cases.
Storm surge is produced by water being pushed toward the shore by the
force of the winds moving cyclonically around the storm. The impact on
surge of the low pressure associated with intense storms is minimal in
comparison to the water being forced toward the shore by the wind.
Along the coast, storm surge is often the greatest threat to life and
property from a hurricane. In the past, large death tolls have resulted
from the rise of the ocean associated with many of the major hurricanes
that have made landfall.
Hurricane Storm Surge Maps by Category Levels
Interactive Hurricane Storm Surge Maps
Please follow the instructions below for the Interactive Maps* :
Go to the
Interactive Storm Surge Map website:
Click on "Environmental Features" under "LAYERS" located on the right side of the webpage.
Select the check box of your concern for Interactive maps like Hurricane Categories, Wetlands, Flood Hazard etc.. from the list.
Click on the button "Refresh Map" after selecting the check box to view map.
*Note: The Interactive Maps are best viewed with a screen resolution of 1024 x 768 or higher