Hurricane Hazards
Most of the damage associated with hurricanes is violent wind damage. The strongest winds are located in the eye wall of the storm. But there is one more thing that can be just as dangerous and more deadly than the violent winds, storm surge.
Storm Surges
A storm surge occurs when hurricane-force winds drive a mound of ocean water toward coastal areas, where it washes over the land. Storm surges can sometimes reach 6 meters (or over 18 feet) above normal sea level. When this occurs during high tide it can cause enormous damage. The storm surge, in the Northern Hemisphere, occurs on the right side of the storm, relative to its eye.
Flood
Another hazard that occurs during a hurricane is flooding. During a hurricane a large amount of rain falls and this causes flooding to occur in low lying areas. The large amount of rain can also cause mud slides which are primarily see in mountainous regions.
