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Shape of Georgia coast magnifies hurricane force
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| GEORGIA'S BARRIER ISLANDS, like Cumberland Island in Camden County, would offer some protection from hurricanes, but how much they would protect inland areas of the county against a large storm surge is debatable. (Tribune & Georgian file photo) |
By Mark R. Dorolek
Because of the curve of Georgia’s coast, a hurricane would have a larger storm surge and cause greater damage from flooding than if it hit further north or south because the water has nowhere to go, according to computer models.
Chuck Watson, director for research and development for Kinetic Analysis Corp., said identical category 3 hurricanes would cause a 15-foot storm surge in Miami, Fla., but would have a 25-foot storm surge along the Georgia Coast.
He said the added storm surge would be far more damaging than the winds.
“The wind doesn’t kill you. Most people die because of the flooding. Hurricane force winds tend not to kill, but for the most part if you have a decently built house you are going to be all right,” said Watson.
He said mobile homes would still be in danger, but the increased storm surge would cause more people to be stranded, and those who evacuated would have to go miles more inland to avoid the flooding.
More people have moved in along the coast in the last couple of decades and it has been years since anybody had to deal with a hurricane, which would cause more deaths, he said.
“You have more people living on the coast with no hurricane experience, and when one comes they are going to be in for a rude awakening,” said Watson.
He said it also has political implications because emergency management agencies have balance protecting people from hurricanes with letting people be able to live where they want.
“You can’t just tell somebody they can’t live somewhere just because there is a one in 100 chance that a hurricane will hit there,” said Watson.
He said the coastal area also has poor roads for evacuation, but that it would also be a problem to put more lanes on the highways because it would only bring in more people and cause more problems if a hurricane hit.
“During an evacuation, a lot of people want out, but the highways are inadequate to handle it,” he said.
The ocean has seen a slight increase in temperature and caused the storms to become more intense, said Watson.
He said computer models show that the conditions are becoming similar to those in the late 1800s, when Georgia was hit by a hurricane almost every other year. He said the biggest one hit St. Marys on Oct. 2, 1892.
Watson said the only benefit the Georgia Coast has is its barrier islands, which help slow the storm down and block waves, but do not necessarily help with the storm surge.
He said the area is probably not prepared for a strong hurricane and the government would be strained to evacuate people caught in the flood.
“It is a going to be a bigger problem for emergency management, especially getting out of flood zones,” said Watson.
Watson will be speaking from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 at the New Conference Center at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah.
Seating is limited, so call for reservations at (912) 638-3612.
Chuck Watson, director for research and development for Kinetic Analysis Corp., said identical category 3 hurricanes would cause a 15-foot storm surge in Miami, Fla., but would have a 25-foot storm surge along the Georgia Coast.
He said the added storm surge would be far more damaging than the winds.
“The wind doesn’t kill you. Most people die because of the flooding. Hurricane force winds tend not to kill, but for the most part if you have a decently built house you are going to be all right,” said Watson.
He said mobile homes would still be in danger, but the increased storm surge would cause more people to be stranded, and those who evacuated would have to go miles more inland to avoid the flooding.
More people have moved in along the coast in the last couple of decades and it has been years since anybody had to deal with a hurricane, which would cause more deaths, he said.
“You have more people living on the coast with no hurricane experience, and when one comes they are going to be in for a rude awakening,” said Watson.
He said it also has political implications because emergency management agencies have balance protecting people from hurricanes with letting people be able to live where they want.
“You can’t just tell somebody they can’t live somewhere just because there is a one in 100 chance that a hurricane will hit there,” said Watson.
He said the coastal area also has poor roads for evacuation, but that it would also be a problem to put more lanes on the highways because it would only bring in more people and cause more problems if a hurricane hit.
“During an evacuation, a lot of people want out, but the highways are inadequate to handle it,” he said.
The ocean has seen a slight increase in temperature and caused the storms to become more intense, said Watson.
He said computer models show that the conditions are becoming similar to those in the late 1800s, when Georgia was hit by a hurricane almost every other year. He said the biggest one hit St. Marys on Oct. 2, 1892.
Watson said the only benefit the Georgia Coast has is its barrier islands, which help slow the storm down and block waves, but do not necessarily help with the storm surge.
He said the area is probably not prepared for a strong hurricane and the government would be strained to evacuate people caught in the flood.
“It is a going to be a bigger problem for emergency management, especially getting out of flood zones,” said Watson.
Watson will be speaking from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 at the New Conference Center at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah.
Seating is limited, so call for reservations at (912) 638-3612.
