Accurate storm surge predictions are critical for giving coastal residents time to evacuate and giving emergency responders time to prepare.

When people hear about hurricanes, they often focus on the category rating: Category 1 through 5, based on maximum wind speeds. But not all hurricanes with the same wind speeds are alike. Some are compact storms while others can span the size of entire states. Larger hurricanes bring far greater damage, generating wider footprints of high winds, heavier rainfall and more dangerous storm surge.

Douglas McIntyre, Editor-in-Chief at Climate Crisis 24/7, reported that new research from Oregon State University shows coastal homes face growing risks from hurricanes and storm surges. Simulations based on Hurricane Ian demonstrated how quickly ground ...