Florida Climate

Can Florida experience tidal flooding without a hurricane?

• Only if the state has a blizzard
• Yes, sea-level rise and high tides can increase flooding exposure
• No, tides never change water level
• No, all coastal flooding requires a named storm

Which distinction matters when assessing flooding after a hurricane?

• Storm surge is caused entirely by dry weather
• Both are simply the same wind-speed measurement
• Storm surge is elevated seawater; inland flooding can result from rainfall
• Inland flooding occurs only in saltwater

Why might Florida’s Gulf and Atlantic coasts face different storm conditions?

• The Gulf is freshwater
• Storm tracks, wind direction and exposure can differ
• They are always struck at the same time
• Neither coast is exposed to tropical storms