Here are some shocking facts about hurricanes:
- The greatest potential for loss of life related to a hurricane is from the storm surge, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
- Storm surge is water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around a storm. This advancing surge combines with normal tides which can increase the water height as the storm approaches shore. This surge can cause severe flooding in coastal areas.
- All five of the County's evacuation zones are vulnerable to storm surge. Storm surge is the primary reason why evacuation zones are identified and residents are told to evacuate those areas, before an approaching storm.
- Coastal storm surge in some areas of Hillsborough County could be 13 to 17 feet above the ground in a major hurricane. This much water could completely cover an average one-story house.
- In some parts of Hillsborough County, the coastal storm surge area continues three miles inland, especially near rivers or canals.
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Example of Hillsborough County Storm Surge Sign (Click for larger view)
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To demonstrate what this really means, Hillsborough County has placed 30 storm surge signs in prominent locations in unincorporated county that have been identified as having major storm surge risk. The signs are posted 13 feet above the ground to show how high the water could rise in that location.
The signs are located in the southern part of the county from Ruskin to Progress Village and in the northwest part of the county from Odessa to Town ‘N Country.
If you live or work in one of the County’s five evacuation zones, you should learn more about coastal storm surge.
This project is an effort of Hillsborough County’s Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group and was funded by a federal grant through the Hillsborough County Emergency Management Department.
This website answers frequently asked questions and provides other information on the storm surge sign project and links to helpful emergency preparedness websites.
Storm Surge Sign Frequently Asked Questions
Preguntas y respuestas sobre la rotulación de marejada ciclónica en el Condado de Hillsborough
Storm Surge Sign Location Map
Sign Location List
Storm Surge Sign Video
Helpful Links:
- Hillsborough County's Emergency Information webpages – check to see if you are in an evacuation zone, learn how to create a disaster preparedness plan and what to do if an evacuation is called, identify shelters in your area, and other emergency-related information.
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