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Hurricane Preparedness Week continues today with a focus on storm surge. The greatest
threat to life and property along the coast is due to storm surge.
Storm surge is produced by water being pushed toward shore by the force of winds swirling
around a hurricane. The water level rise from the combination of storm surge and the astronomical
tide is defined as storm tide. This rise in water level can cause severe salt water flooding,
particularly when storm surge coincides with high tide, resulting in storm tides reaching
15 feet or more in some cases. No place near the ocean or at low elevation is safe from
storm surge during a major hurricane. Hurricane Donna in 1960, which destroyed many
buildings and vessels in the Middle and Upper Keys, produced a storm tide as high as 13.5
feet above mean sea level. Storm tides in the Middle and Upper Keys were generally 8
to 12 feet above mean sea level. Destruction from storm tides in the Middle and Upper Keys
ranged from major to almost complete. With this in mind, heed evacuation orders
and act without hesitation. Go to the nearest possible evacuation destination, whether it
be the home of your closest friend or relative, or a public shelter. Prepare your home prior
to evacuating by boarding up doors and windows, moving all yard objects indoors, and turning
off all utilities. Hurricane Preparedness Week continues Tuesday
with a focus on high winds. For more information, please visit the Florida Keys National Weather
Service Internet site at: www.weather.gov/keywest.