Below is a storm surge map of the Cape Coral/Fort Myers, Florida area published today in The News-Press, the local paper I read every morning primarily for The New York Times crossword puzzle which I do for mental prowess.  Prowess seems to be ok so it must be working.  I'll let you be the judge.

 The storm surge map shows areas which should be evacuated in various hurricane storm strengths.  The map came from the Southwest Florida Evacuation Behavior Study whose link follows below. 


Certainly while hurricane winds should be feared it is storm surge, (flooding caused by winds blowing toward the shore.)  Onshore winds push water up estuaries and over low lying topography.  Storm surge does more damage than wind and causes the most hurricane related deaths. (See additional entries on these subjects on John's Musings.) Flood damage is a separate issue for insurance companies and the prudent home-business owner must purchase separate policies. 


However how do you predict storm surge?  Using the HURRICANE SURVIVAL GUIDE, found elsewhere on this site, you can track the storm, without any help from media, TV, the National Hurricane Center, etc, using only a compass and your senses.  Additionally you can paint a picture of the hurricane on the HURRICANE FINDER CHART showing wind direction and strength in your area days before the storm arrives.  Days before it arrives.  This gives you time to decide how to protect your family, home, business, boat, etc days before the storm arrives. 

Download the HURRICANE SURVIVAL GUIDE  and save your stuff.

               

 

                  STORM SURGE EVACUATION MAP

 Click on the link below for the Storm Surge Evacuation Study.

http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?template=zoom&Site=A4&Date=20090624&Category=WEATHER01&ArtNo=90623083&Ref=AR


          HURRICANE SURVIVAL GUIDE 

        MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE WHEN

              ELECTRONICS FAIL.


                  That's that for this.

                     Take care,

                            JB