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Why storm surge is a huge threat to Hampton Roads

Posted at 5:50 PM, Jan 23, 2015
and last updated 2015-01-23 21:12:21-05

Virginia Beach, Va. -  A new video from the National Hurricane Center shows why understanding the dangers of a storm surge is so important, especially for Hampton Roads.

Using fast drawing illustrations and weather video, the impact of hurricanes and nor'easters is broken down and made easy to understand.

According to the video,  "One of the most dangerous parts of a hurricane is a storm surge." A storm surge is created when winds of a coastal storm pushes water onto land.

With rising sea-levels, geographic subsidence and coastal storms, Hampton Roads is vulnerable to extreme flooding.

As hurricane season approaches, Mike Mundy, an engineer with the City's Public Works Department, explains the threats that a storm surge can present.

"Water doesn't seem scary, but when it`s got depth to it and it's moving, it can do a tremendous amount of damage. And once it's in, it's really hard to retreat at that time and so you've trapped yourself in," he says.

As coastal storms move our way, stay VIPIReady with this video:

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Hurricane Tracker

Virginia Beach Ranked #1 Flood Safe Coastal City

Hampton Roads Storm Surge Map