Hurricane Lee storm surge at Head of the Meadow Beach in Truro, Massachusetts on September 16, 2023.
Why is elevation data so important to forecasting hurricane impact?
The fundamental lesson of Hurricane Sandy in 2012 (and prior catastrophic storms and hurricanes) was that storm vulnerability is first and foremost a consequence of elevation. The height at which infrastructure, resources, and communities sit in relation to average tides and water levels, storm waves, surge, and flood waters determines their exposure to overwhelmingly powerful damaging forces. Reliable, accurate, and accessible elevation information are priorities for communities anticipating impacts and preparing response strategies. Post-storm elevation is also critical for the design of resilient and cost efficient post-storm redevelopment.
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Related
What is the role of the USGS in responding to hurricanes?
Could a large tsunami happen in the United States?
What are tsunamis?
Where can I find flood maps?
How are floods predicted?
What are the two types of floods?
Hurricane Lee storm surge at Head of the Meadow Beach in Truro, Massachusetts on September 16, 2023.
USGS scientist Steve Hannes marks high water marks along the Colorado River after flooding from Hurricane Harvey in Wharton County, Texas.
USGS scientist Steve Hannes marks high water marks along the Colorado River after flooding from Hurricane Harvey in Wharton County, Texas.
Brian Painter of NJWSC installing wave sensor on the beach at SWaTH site number NJCAP04830
Brian Painter of NJWSC installing wave sensor on the beach at SWaTH site number NJCAP04830
USGS hydrologic technician Amy Simonson surveying a high-water mark on Liberty Island, New York.
USGS hydrologic technician Amy Simonson surveying a high-water mark on Liberty Island, New York.
USGS hydrologist Michael Noll surveying a high-water mark on Ellis Island, New York.
USGS hydrologist Michael Noll surveying a high-water mark on Ellis Island, New York.
During hurricanes the USGS deploys storm-surge monitoring instruments along the coasts, sounds, and bays in impacted areas to gauge how high hurricanes push water in rivers, bays and other areas. The sensors are crucial for forecasting future storms and assessing hurricane damage.
During hurricanes the USGS deploys storm-surge monitoring instruments along the coasts, sounds, and bays in impacted areas to gauge how high hurricanes push water in rivers, bays and other areas. The sensors are crucial for forecasting future storms and assessing hurricane damage.
John Erbland, Hydrologic Technician with the USGS South Carolina Water Science Center, holds a white board with information on the Hurricane Irene storm surge sensor deployment on a pier by the U.S. Coast Guard Station in the town of Wrightsville Beach.
John Erbland, Hydrologic Technician with the USGS South Carolina Water Science Center, holds a white board with information on the Hurricane Irene storm surge sensor deployment on a pier by the U.S. Coast Guard Station in the town of Wrightsville Beach.

Storm surge sensor installation prior to Hurricane Irene landfall
Storm surge sensor installation prior to Hurricane Irene landfall
This video provides information about the dangers of storm surge. It contains a personal experience with storm surge by E.C. Duane.
This video provides information about the dangers of storm surge. It contains a personal experience with storm surge by E.C. Duane.
Forecasting storm-induced coastal flooding for 21st century sea-level rise scenarios in the Hawaiian, Mariana, and American Samoan Islands
Coastal National Elevation Database
The Surge, Wave, and Tide Hydrodynamics (SWaTH) network of the U.S. Geological Survey—Past and future implementation of storm-response monitoring, data collection, and data delivery
Post-Hurricane Joaquin coastal oblique aerial photographs collected from the South Carolina/North Carolina border to Montauk Point, New York, October 7–9, 2015
A method for determining average beach slope and beach slope variability for U.S. sandy coastlines
Using science to strengthen our Nation's resilience to tomorrow's challenges: understanding and preparing for coastal impacts
Hurricane Sandy science plan: New York
Meeting the Science Needs of the Nation in the Wake of Hurricane Sandy-- A U.S. Geological Survey Science Plan for Support of Restoration and Recovery
Impacts and predictions of coastal change during hurricanes
Related
What is the role of the USGS in responding to hurricanes?
Could a large tsunami happen in the United States?
What are tsunamis?
Where can I find flood maps?
How are floods predicted?
What are the two types of floods?
Hurricane Lee storm surge at Head of the Meadow Beach in Truro, Massachusetts on September 16, 2023.
Hurricane Lee storm surge at Head of the Meadow Beach in Truro, Massachusetts on September 16, 2023.
USGS scientist Steve Hannes marks high water marks along the Colorado River after flooding from Hurricane Harvey in Wharton County, Texas.
USGS scientist Steve Hannes marks high water marks along the Colorado River after flooding from Hurricane Harvey in Wharton County, Texas.
Brian Painter of NJWSC installing wave sensor on the beach at SWaTH site number NJCAP04830
Brian Painter of NJWSC installing wave sensor on the beach at SWaTH site number NJCAP04830
USGS hydrologic technician Amy Simonson surveying a high-water mark on Liberty Island, New York.
USGS hydrologic technician Amy Simonson surveying a high-water mark on Liberty Island, New York.
USGS hydrologist Michael Noll surveying a high-water mark on Ellis Island, New York.
USGS hydrologist Michael Noll surveying a high-water mark on Ellis Island, New York.
During hurricanes the USGS deploys storm-surge monitoring instruments along the coasts, sounds, and bays in impacted areas to gauge how high hurricanes push water in rivers, bays and other areas. The sensors are crucial for forecasting future storms and assessing hurricane damage.
During hurricanes the USGS deploys storm-surge monitoring instruments along the coasts, sounds, and bays in impacted areas to gauge how high hurricanes push water in rivers, bays and other areas. The sensors are crucial for forecasting future storms and assessing hurricane damage.
John Erbland, Hydrologic Technician with the USGS South Carolina Water Science Center, holds a white board with information on the Hurricane Irene storm surge sensor deployment on a pier by the U.S. Coast Guard Station in the town of Wrightsville Beach.
John Erbland, Hydrologic Technician with the USGS South Carolina Water Science Center, holds a white board with information on the Hurricane Irene storm surge sensor deployment on a pier by the U.S. Coast Guard Station in the town of Wrightsville Beach.

Storm surge sensor installation prior to Hurricane Irene landfall
Storm surge sensor installation prior to Hurricane Irene landfall
This video provides information about the dangers of storm surge. It contains a personal experience with storm surge by E.C. Duane.
This video provides information about the dangers of storm surge. It contains a personal experience with storm surge by E.C. Duane.