Storm surges can reach heights of 18 - 20 ft in strong hurricanes. This means that the sea surface rises 18 - 20 ft. In coastal areas this causes extreme flood hazards. Hurricanes move across the ocean very slowly, usually less than 20 mph. Prediction of hurricane movement has greatly improved over the last ten years.
Hurricanes dissipate when they move ashore or move into areas of cold sea water.
The heat from the air and sea in the Tropics is what fuels the hurricane. The heat continually causes warm air to rise, adding to cloud mass and rotation. Once the warm air and warm water are removed the hurricane rains itself out and slowly dissipates. Hurricanes will often move into the area south of Hampton Roads and dissipate but we will still receive large amount of rain because it acts as a low pressure cyclone bringing rain to our area.