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Here’s What to Know About Harvey’s Storm Surge and Widespread Flood Threat

 United States

Time series of storm tide (surge plus tide) levels at Port Lavaca above mean sea level from 1900-2017. Hurricane Harvey likely generated a storm tide of 10-12 feet near Port Lavaca, although the highest observed level reported was 7 feet above mean sea level. Photo: Hal Needham

Hurricane Harvey made landfall near Rockport, Texas, as a Category 4 hurricane yesterday evening. This blog post provides some insights on Harvey's storm surge and widespread flood threat.

Highest Surge

Harvey's highest storm surge occurred east of Rockport.

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A NOAA Tides and Currents gauge at Port Lavaca, Texas, reported an observed storm tide level of 7.0 feet above Mean Sea Level (MSL) at 3:48AM Central Time. Unreported storm tides in this region likely reached as high as reached 10-12 feet.

Port Lavaca

Harvey has generated the highest storm surge at Port Lavaca since Hurricane Carla (1961).