MIAMI — Storm surge — the abnormal rise in sea level caused by a hurricane's winds and low pressure — kills more people than any other hurricane hazard, yet surveys consistently show that many coastal residents underestimate the risk and are unprepared for the speed and height of surge flooding.
The National Hurricane Center defines storm surge as the water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around a storm. Storm surge can reach 20 feet or more in height in the worst-case scenarios, and it can travel several miles inland in low-lying coastal areas.
Storm surge is particularly dangerous because it can arrive with little warning and can be difficult to escape once it begins. The NHC's Potential Storm Surge Flooding Map, available on the agency's website, shows the potential surge flooding for different storm scenarios in coastal areas — a critical planning tool for homeowners, businesses, and emergency managers.
For restoration contractors, storm surge creates a unique set of challenges compared to other types of flooding. Surge water is typically contaminated with saltwater, sewage, chemicals, and debris, requiring Category 3 (black water) remediation protocols under the IICRC S500 standard. Salt contamination can also cause long-term corrosion damage to structural steel, electrical systems, and HVAC equipment.
The IICRC recommends that restoration contractors working in storm surge-affected areas use enhanced PPE, including chemical-resistant suits and respiratory protection, and document the contamination category of the water source before beginning any remediation work.
