Storm Surge: The Hidden Force Of A Hurricane

As summer approaches along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, residents prepare for the hurricane season ahead. The Atlantic hurricane season — June through November (though known to start as early as January in past years) — has devastated communities from Texas to New England, resulting in significant recovery costs. However, coastal weather events are not singular forces: they are made up of various elements, from wind and storm surge to rainfall and debris. In fact, it is the force of storm surge that inundates communities, often causing some of the most severe damage.