Along the coast, storm surge is often the greatest threat to life and property from a hurricane. In the past, large death tolls have resulted from the rise of the ocean associated with many of the major hurricanes that have made landfall. At least 1,500 persons lost their lives during Katrina and many of those deaths occurred directly, or indirectly, as a result of storm surge.

Storm surges can result in large ships and vessels stranding ashore. This aerial view was captured by NOAA in South Plaquemines Parish, La., near Empire, Buras and Boothville where Hurricane Katrina made landfall.