Storm Surge Question

[CajunMama]

Our local met was talking about storm surge here....storm surge at vermilion bay is supposed to be 6-10 feet....i'm about 30 miles from the bay...how will it affect the river and coulees (ditches, creeks)? Any idea of what I could possibly incur?

[Lindaloo]

I can tell you from experience that the rivers and creeks will rise with the surge. My sister-in-law had 8 feet of water in her home from Katrina. She is well inland but is by a river. Bluff Creek here came out of its banks and flooded areas of Vancleave. Some of the people had to get in their boats. Some friends that live out on the bayou are elevated 15 feet. The water came into their homes about an inch deep.

Stay safe, Kathy.

[Ixolib]

Hi Mama - I used to think there was an easy answer to that question, based on previous history.

Now-a-days, my viewpoint has changed somewhat. I do know this... Even if Rita is downgraded, she will still be dragging/pushing her cat 5/4 surge with her. A lot here are concentrating on the "wind speed" as an indicator of her strength or whether or not she will be "a monster". From now on, I will always consider what the sustained strength was when it was 300 to 500 miles offshore for my decisions. As in ANY storm, surge is always the bigger destructor than the wind, certainly on the coastline. Further inland, tornadoes may become a bigger concern.

No matter the conditions, please use your "hurricane smarts" and concentrate on safety. You are especially in my thoughts...

[THead]

Hi Mama - I used to think there was an easy answer to that question, based on previous history.

Now-a-days, my viewpoint has changed somewhat. I do know this... Even if Rita is downgraded, she will still be dragging/pushing her cat 5/4 surge with her. A lot here are concentrating on the "wind speed" as an indicator of her strength or whether or not she will be "a monster". From now on, I will always consider what the sustained strength was when it was 300 to 500 miles offshore for my decisions. As in ANY storm, surge is always the bigger destructor than the wind, certainly on the coastline. Further inland, tornadoes may become a bigger concern.

No matter the conditions, please use your "hurricane smarts" and concentrate on safety. You are especially in my thoughts...

Thanks, you answered my question from the 'rita thinking' thread.

[CajunMama]

Thanks guys for your replies. My family is well aware of how I feel about staying here as I sit and GLARE at them.

[Ixolib]

Thanks guys for your replies. My family is well aware of how I feel about staying here as I sit and GLARE at them.

I can only imagine that look!!

[Dmetal81]

Thanks guys for your replies. My family is well aware of how I feel about staying here as I sit and GLARE at them.

I feel you pain Cajun, I had to run down to florida 3 times last year because my stubborn parents didnt want evacuate (2 miles from Ocean in a MOBILE HOME)... draggin them kicking and screaming everytime to my sisters 30mi inland... my thoughts and prayers are with you!