Risk Models
There are many risks to people and property when a hurricane comes roaring onshore. Many of these risks are forecast through computer models. For example, a hydrological model is used to predict rainfall totals.
One of the biggest threats comes with storm surge. Forecasters use the Sea, Lake, and Overland Surges from Hurricanes (SLOSH) model to predict potential wave heights from a hurricane. To make this forecast, they take into account the size and intensity of the storm, as well as the bathymetry (or landscape) of the ocean floor.
Hurricane Katrina (2005) produced some major storm surge (up to 27 ft!) The SLOSH model uses a combination of model runs like the one shown above to make a forecast. The forecast for Katrina was storm surge up to 28 ft. The black line shows Hurricane Katrina's forecasted track. Courtesy of NOAA.
For more information, please visit:
NHC – SLOSH Model
Hydrometeorological Prediction Center
Local, State, and Federal Emergency Management
Please see the links below for hurricane emergency management links and further details.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
For visitors from other parts of the country, please search for: [your county] hurricane emergency management.
