Storm Surge
Storm surge from Hurricane Ike (2008)
Along the coast, storm surge is the greatest threat to life and property. 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 Katrina (2005) is a prime example of the damage and devastation that can be caused by surge. Approximately 1500 persons lost their lives during Katrina and most of those deaths have been attributed to storm surge.