05/06/2026
How bad is flooding during a hurricane?
Well, it depends. Flood can occur for 2 reasons, either from significant rainfall or from storm surge.
Rainfall during a hurricane is not always associated with how strong the hurricane is. In fact, those impacted by the same hurricane can have different rainfall totals depending on what side of the hurricane they are on.
Storms that produce heavy rainfall can cause flash flooding, overflowing riverbeds, landslides and more leading to loss of infrastructure, utilities, and isolating communities. Importantly, flash flooding is the leading cause of death during hurricanes.
Storm surge happens when water is pushed inland as the storm approaches and makes landfall. There are many factors that can cause storm surge to be more severe; however, typically the stronger and more pressure a storm creates, the greater the surge potential as it pushes the ocean further inland.
However, the coastline is not the only place affected. Rivers further inland can experience flooding as well, as the storm surge pushes water back, causing flooding of the river.
Understanding the risk for flooding during storms reaches far beyond just the coastline. Flash flooding happens outside of flood zones, making everyone vulnerable. However, knowing where to find high ground and alternate routes out of your community in the event of an evacuation are great ways to prepare.
