Floridians Warned of 20-Foot Storm Surge—Here’s What It Means and How to Stay Safe

Residents of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia have been preparing for Hurricane Helene, which is expected to make landfall soon, and new developments in the storm’s intensity are forcing many to take action and further prepare for survival. The Category 2 storm has been making its way toward Florida through the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to make landfall on the evening of Thursday, September 26 or early Friday morning. 

With wind speeds of 100 mph, Floridians have been warned that by the time it reaches them, it could elevate to a Category 3 as wind speeds possibly increase to 115 mph. As the storm has continued barreling toward the coast of Florida, the National Weather Service has warned of a storm surge of up to 20 feet for Florida’s west coast—but what exactly does that mean?

What is a storm surge?

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a storm surge is an abnormal rise in seawater caused by a storm’s winds. With an anticipated storm surge of up to 20 feet, that means that water levels could reach a whopping 20 feet higher than the typical water level. The surge occurs when intense winds push seawater toward the shore, raising water levels far above normal.

How do I prepare for a storm surge?

In areas of Florida where the threat of a storm surge is possible, evacuation orders have been put in place, including Gainesville, Cedar Key, Tallahassee, Lake City, Sarasota and Tampa. According to Weather Underground, storm surges are not to be underestimated, as their strength and power is severe. They can increase as swiftly as several feet per minute. Additionally, the water is extremely powerful. “A one-foot deep storm surge can sweep your car off the road, and even a 6-inch surge is difficult to stand in,” says Weather Underground. 

If you’re in an area facing a potential storm surge and have received evacuation orders, it’s crucial to leave immediately. Even before the surge reaches its peak, minor flooding can block evacuation routes and make it difficult to leave safely.

Who will be hit the worst by Hurricane Helene?

Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia are all bracing for the impact of Hurricane Helene. The storm is expected to make landfall in The Big Bend, where Florida’s panhandle meets the peninsula. While it’s expected to weaken as it moves inland, that does not mean the coast is clear for those outside of the northwest Florida coast. Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia have all declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm. 

According to The Associated Press, hurricane conditions are expected for areas as far as 100 miles north of the Florida-Georgia line. In preparation for this weather event, schools and universities across these states have closed, and meteorologists have also warned residents about the possibility of tornadoes in these states.

As the hurricane quickly approaches and prepares to make landfall, it’s important to follow the safety advisories put out by the area in which you reside and take all safety measures possible to ensure the well-being of you, your families and others.