Florida's coastal areas are subject to a number of natural forces and processes, such as wind and wave action, hurricanes and tropical storms and a rising sea level. A complex system of elongated islands surrounds most of Florida. These detached strips of land, called barrier islands, help shelter the mainland from the effects of wind and waves. Acting as the first line of defense, barrier islands are low-lying and highly vulnerable to the forces of wind, waves and storms. In a constant state of flux, these islands move constantly due to sand deposited by storms and wave action.
Severe flooding can occur from hurricanes and major storms.
Although the winds can cause extensive damage, most hurricane-related deaths are due to storm surge or freshwater flooding. The storm surge causes a rapid increase in water level, and can reach heights of more than 20 feet and stretch along the coast for 50 to 100 miles. As this wall of water rolls inland, it damages or destroys everything in its path. You can determine this by visiting the area's city or county emergency management office and asking to see the Federal Flood Insurance Rate Map. Local emergency management staff can also provide valuable information about how the area has fared in past storms.