ALONG THE COAST, STORM SURGE FROM A HURRICANE IS OFTEN THE GREATEST THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY.

Storm surge is an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, over and above the predicted astronomical tides. Storm surge can cause life-threatening conditions. This rise in water level can cause extreme flooding along the coastal areas and rivers, and can inundate inland areas as the storm approaches. Storm surge also has the potential to impact critical infrastructure including power, communications, water, sewers, fuel, roads and bridges. Damage severity depends on the storm’s size, strength, forward speed and direction of movement. In Sarasota County, storm surge can travel for miles inland, so it is important to evacuate if your area is under an evacuation order. All storms are different. If your neighborhood did not receive storm surge during the last hurricane, it does not mean that it is safe from storm surge in the next storm. If you are told to evacuate, heed the notice and leave the area.

Storm surge travels well beyond the coast. Heed warning signs and weather alerts.