Major Hurricane Hazards:
Wind, Flooding, and Storm Surge Risks

When hurricanes make landfall, they rarely bring just one danger. In fact, many of the deadliest and most destructive storms in U.S. history weren’t remembered solely for their winds—but for the widespread flooding, inland rainfall, and storm surge that followed. Understanding the layered risks hurricanes pose is critical for homeowners, renters, insurers, and community leaders preparing for the next major storm.

The Three Primary Hazards: Not All Risks Are Created Equal

Hurricanes are categorized by wind speed, but it’s often the water, not the wind, that causes the most harm. The three most significant hurricane-related hazards include:

1. Wind Damage

High winds are a defining characteristic of hurricanes. Even Category 1 storms can produce sustained winds over 74 mph, enough to uproot trees and tear shingles from rooftops.

• Hurricane Charley (2004) made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm with 150 mph winds, causing over $16 billion in damage—most of it from wind-blown debris and structural damage.
• Flying objects, such as patio furniture, broken tree limbs, or unsecured roofing materials, are some of the most dangerous sources of injury and property damage during high winds.

Homeowners can reduce wind risk by:

• Securing outdoor items and clearing yard space of loose debris
• Reinforcing  doors and windows, to include accessory structures like a garage or a shed
• Upgrading roofing materials and install fastening systems such as hurricane ties or clips

But protecting a home from wind damage doesn’t stop with retrofits. It’s also about insurance clarity. Not all policies cover wind damage equally—especially in coastal zones with windstorm exclusions or higher deductibles.

2. Inland Flooding

While most associate flooding with coastal surge, inland flooding from heavy rainfall is a silent and widespread threat.

• Hurricane Harvey (2017) dropped more than 50 inches of rain in some parts of Houston, leading to over 100 fatalities and $125 billion in damage. Much of the damage occurred far from the coastline.
• According to FEMA, just one inch of floodwater can cause over $25,000 in damage to a home.

Flooding often extends hundreds of miles inland, affecting areas not traditionally considered high-risk. This leaves many property owners underprepared and uninsured—especially since standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Only a separate flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private market can provide that protection.

3. Storm Surge

Storm surge is the abnormal rise of seawater during a storm event or hurricane, caused when water is pushed onto land by strong winds. It is often the most life-threatening aspect of a hurricane for coastal communities.

• During Hurricane Katrina (2005), storm surge reached over 25 feet in parts of Mississippi, breaching levees and inundating New Orleans.
• More recently, Hurricane Ian (2022) brought storm surge levels of 10–15 feet in Florida, wiping out homes and cutting off escape routes.

Even homes that survive wind damage can be destroyed or rendered uninhabitable by storm surge. Roads become impassable, utilities fail, and first responders are delayed. The physical destruction is often paired with long-term displacement and trauma.

Mitigation strategies include:

• Complying with local base flood elevation (BFE) requirements by elevating homes in high-risk zones
• Building breakaway walls to allow water to pass through without compromising structural integrity
• Investing in flood vents and sump pumps to relieve pressure and reduce flood damage to foundations
• Ensure compliance with local floodplain management and building codes

Why It’s Essential to Understand the Layers of Risk

Focusing only on wind can leave property owners blindsided by the storm’s full impact. A homeowner might prepare their windows and roof, but if they haven’t purchased flood insurance, they’re still at risk of financial devastation. Conversely, a coastal business might have flood coverage but face significant wind damage exclusions without knowing it.

Understanding the multi-faceted nature of hurricane hazards empowers residents and insurers to:

• Close coverage gaps
• Implement smarter mitigation strategies
• Advocate for accurate risk-based zoning and mapping
• Prepare psychologically and emotionally for layered risks

Insurance and Community Planning Implications

From an insurance standpoint, hurricane risk cannot be treated as a one-hazard event. Adjusters and underwriters must evaluate the combined threat of wind, inland flooding, and storm surge, especially as climate change drives more intense storms and hurricanes, higher rainfall rates, and greater storm surge potential.

At the community level, local hazard mitigation plans (LHMPs) that incorporate FEMA’s guidance are essential for long-term resilience. These plans help prioritize funding for elevation projects, green infrastructure, and stormwater management systems that reduce inland flood risk  and address cumulative risk.

Real People, Real Losses

Behind every data point is a family trying to recover.

• After Katrina, thousands of displaced families lived in temporary trailers for months—some for years.
• In Harvey’s aftermath, more than 80% of homes flooded in some neighborhoods had no flood insurance.
• One Florida couple rebuilt their home after Ian, only to discover that their wind coverage didn’t include storm surge damage because they misunderstood their deductible split.

These stories aren’t outliers. They’re cautionary tales about the cost of underestimating just how multi-layered a hurricane’s impact can be.

Preparedness Starts with Understanding

There’s no way to stop hurricanes. But there is a way to prepare smarter. Recognizing the full range of risks—wind, inland flooding, and storm surge—can help individuals and communities better protect what matters most.

Start by reviewing your insurance coverage, exploring flood zone maps, and talking to your insurer about potential gaps. Then take the next step.

How Hurricane-Exposed Is Your Property?

Every year, thousands of properties are totaled by hurricane damage—many without coverage in place. Take the HazardHub quiz to find out whether your area is high-risk for hurricane property loss and what your current policy might be missing.