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

Storm surge is produced by water being pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds moving fiercely around the storm. The impact of a surge of 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:

  1. Go to the STORM Map website: Click on "Environmental Features" under "LAYERS" located on the right side of the web page.
  2. Select the check box of your concern for Interactive maps like Hurricane Categories, Wetlands, Flood Hazards, etc.. from the list.
  3. Click on the button "Refresh Map" after selecting the check box to view the map.

Please note: The Interactive Maps are best viewed with a screen resolution of 1024 by 768 or higher.

Know Your Zone Evacuation Zones

Check your location and Know Your Zone for storm and storm surge evacuation.