Storm surge is usually considered the most dangeous part of a hurricane. Recently though, inland flooding has been the big killer. It has been responsible for more than half of hurricane related deaths.

Two-feet of water can float a car. Hurricanes can dump 5-10 inches of rain and in som cases, more than 20 inches of rain can fall. Local residents were assaulted with more than 30 inches of rain from Hurricane Danny in 1997, 24 inches from Hurricane Georges in 1998, and around 15 inches from Hrricane Ivan in 2004.

In these situations, storm drains can't handle all the water and become clogged with debris. rivers will rise out of their banks and many areas will flood quickly. Drinking water may also be contaminated by floods.

Storm Surge Map for Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties

To Look At Your County's Flood Maps:

Escambia County:
http://www.escambia-emergency.com/Hurricane_Preparedness/surge_map.htm

Santa Rosa County:
http://www.santarosa.fl.gov/emergency/
generalinfo/surge.html/

Okaloosa County:
http://www.co.okaloosa.fl.us/severe_
weather_hurricane_surge_maps.html

Baldwin:
http://www.csc.noaa.gov/products/
alabama/htm/hssra.htm