Hurricane Season and Flooding 
KNOW YOUR RISK 
FACT SHEET 
Hurricane Season and Flooding 
KNOW YOUR RISK 
FACT SHEET 
While many immediately think of strong winds when they think of hurricanes, other accompanying effects such 
as storm surge, heavy rains and inland flooding are equally destructive and dangerous. Don’t be caught off 
guard this hurricane season. Get the facts. Know the risks. Take action to protect yourself, your family and 
your financial future. 

HEAVY RAINS 

Hurricanes and tropical storms have the potential to unload heavy and sustained rainfall which overwhelms 
drainage systems and results in flooding. In 2009, remnants of Tropical Storm Ida developed into a strong 
coastal storm (nor’easter) that generated up to 18 inches of rain in many areas and caused major flooding along 
the Atlantic coast. 

STORM SURGE 

Storm surge is the water that is pushed toward the shore by the strong winds of a storm. These wind-driven 
waves can cause severe flooding in coastal areas. Storm surge combined with high tides can be extremely 
dangerous and destructive. Hurricane Ike, in 2008, produced a storm surge of nearly ten feet at its landfall, 
overtopping the protective sea wall on Galveston Island and destroying hundreds of homes and businesses. 

INLAND FLOODS 

Coastal communities are not the only ones who should prepare for hurricane flooding. Hurricanes and tropical 
storms are powerful systems with the ability to travel far from the initial strike zone. Once inland, they 
continue to bring powerful winds and heavy rains. Hurricane Ivan, in 2004, made an initial landfall in the 
Florida Panhandle. The storm continued north causing billions in flood damage from the Florida Gulf Coast. 

PREPARE NOW 

The time to prepare is now. Gather supplies for your emergency supply kit, make a plan, strengthen your home 
against storm damage and review your insurance coverage, including flood insurance. Remember: it typically 
takes 30 days for a new flood insurance policy to go into effect, so get your policy now. Flood insurance is 
affordable. An average flood policy costs around $560 a year, and rates start at just $119 a year for homes in 
moderate- to low-risk areas. 

To learn what you can do to prepare for floods, visit www.ready.gov. 

Visit FloodSmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419 for more information. 

MARCH2009