Before the storm season, it is smart to check out how high the water will reach in your neighborhood based on the strength of a hurricane and reference your evacuation map.
When a storm becomes a threat The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is responsible for tracking hurricanes and issues a number of storm surge maps that account for the particular aspects of the strength.
The potential height of storm surge in a given area will vary based on each storm’s winds and low pressure. It can cause flooding in coastal areas, even if the storm does not make landfall.
Use these storm surge maps to see how high the water will get in your neighborhood based on the strength of a storm. Once a storm develops the National Hurricane Center will provide updates geared for that particular storm and the local National Weather Service office in Jacksonville will coordinate closely with the NHC to provide refined forecast products and warnings on a local level.
These statements will be passed to viewers through our meteorologists at News4Jax.
In addition to the storm surge maps, you will also want to review your evacuation maps.
Both maps serve different purposes and should not be used interchangeably.
Evacuation maps show the areas that should be evacuated in the event of a hurricane or other coastal storm. Evacuations are typically ordered when there is a risk of storm surge, high winds, or other hazards.
The main difference between storm surge maps and evacuation maps is that storm surge maps show the potential impact of a storm, while evacuation maps show the areas that should be evacuated.
Evacuation maps are based on a number of factors, including storm surge risk, the location of critical infrastructure, and the availability of transportation.
It is important to remember that storm surge maps and evacuation maps are just tools.
They cannot predict the exact impact of a storm, and they should not be used as a substitute for common sense.
If you live in a coastal area, you should be prepared for a hurricane or other coastal storm, regardless of what the maps say.