Hollywood Residents East of Federal Highway Must Understand Storm Surge Risk Ahead of Hurricane Season

Hollywood residents living east of Federal Highway, including those in Hollywood Lakes and Hollywood Beach, face the highest risk from storm surge during hurricane season. These areas fall within the city's two designated hurricane evacuation zones. However, officials warn that storm surge impacts can extend beyond these established zones.

Understanding storm surge is crucial for local preparedness. Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, above and beyond predicted astronomical tides. A hurricane's strong winds primarily cause this elevation, though its central pressure, astronomical tides, and the offshore shelf (water depth) also contribute to its severity. Unlike large waves or tsunamis, storm surge impacts can last for hours or even days.

Dr. Ed Rappaport, Deputy Director of the National Hurricane Center (NHC), emphasized the danger in a 2014 report, stating that water is the number one killer during a hurricane or tropical storm. Storm surge is considered the deadliest hazard associated with a tropical cyclone.

For residents who live in an evacuation zone and do not plan to evacuate when an order is issued, the City of Hollywood requests they submit a Next of Kin Information Form. This form assists first responders in identifying individuals and notifying loved ones if they do not survive a storm.

Residents can visit the National Hurricane Center's Interactive Storm Surge Risk Map website to determine if their specific community is at risk. Preparing now can make a significant difference when a storm threatens our area.