News release: “NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey has announced a new website — www.stormsurge.noaa.gov — designed to provide vital information to help protect communities, people and property from the devastation of coastal flooding. Coastal flooding is often the greatest threat to life and property during and after storms. Floods damage roads and bridges, destroy homes and businesses, and cause injuries and death to those in harm’s way. These floods are caused by storm surge — the rise in water level caused a severe storm’s wind, waves, and pressure. Storm surge can flood large coastal areas, reaching cities and communities miles inland.”