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Storm surge is a rapid rise of sea level that
occurs as a hurricane approaches a coastline. The most destructive
effects of a storm surge are felt on beaches, offshore islands and
low-lying coastlines. According to 2000 U.S. Census data, coastal
populations have risen 20 percent in the states most vulnerable
to hurricanes. More than 11 million people could be affected by
storm surge flooding. Hurricane Camille (1969) produced the highest
recorded surge, reaching nearly 25 feet at Pass Christian, Mississippi.
During the 1900 Hurricane, 6,000 people were swept away to their
deaths on Galveston, Texas due to storm surge, making this storm
the deadliest hurricane in United Stated History.
With major funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) through the Florida Department of Community Affairs, the “Windstorm
Simulation and Modeling Project” hopes to reduce hurricane
losses caused by storm surge. This three-year program will contribute
to improving the accuracy and effectiveness of flood maps, surge
atlases, surge and flood models, and the process of vulnerability
assessment and mitigation. The three-year project includes:
- Data acquisition of high-resolution elevations via airborne
laser technology for participating South Florida Counties
- Evaluation
and upgrading of storm surge models
- Computer simulation and animation
to display the physical effects of hurricane storm surges and
wind impacts
- Development of public awareness and education programs with
regards to human vulnerabilities to hurricanes and the means
to mitigate
the risks
Research Team
Participating Counties
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