Center for the Study of Public Health Impacts of Hurricanes
(A HEF Center*)

Experimental Storm Surge Flood Models

These models were developed as part of a joint project between the LSU Hurricane Center, the Center for the Study of Public Health Impacts of Hurricanes, and the University of Notre Dame

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DISCLAIMER:
The LSU hurricane surge models are produced for research, educational and
information purposes only. These model outputs are not meant to be used for
planning. For evacuation and similar information contact your local emergency
management officials.

INFORMATION ON LSU MODEL OUTPUTS:
These surge outputs are produced using a modified version of the ADCIRC
hydrodynamic code. Depicted is the maximum elevation of the storm surge,
in feet about mean sea level. The water elevations shown reflect only the
rise in level associated with the surge generated by the tropical cyclone;
they do not include water level variations from mean sea level because
of local meteorological conditions not associated with the tropical cyclone
(i.e. setup at a coast due to local sea breezes), and do not include local rise
in the storm tide because of large wind-generated waves. Normal astronomical
tides are included in the surge outputs. The user, in trying to assess the potential
surge in their area of interest, must take into account all local meteorological
effects, which could significantly increase surge elevations.

NUMBERING SYSTEM:
A run designated by a number, i.e., # 16 means that the track and storm
characteristics were based on the National Hurricane Center's Advisory of that
number. A number such as 16 W means that we have created a track, using the
National Hurricane Center's Advisory 16 for size, strength, and forward speed of
the tropical cyclone being modeled, BUT we have placed the track along the
western edge of the Track Advisory Cone of Uncertainty. Because of the dire
consequences of a major hurricane striking New Orleans, we will occasionally
run tracks along the edge of the NHC cone of track uncertainty, to see if New
Orleans could be flooded, should the storm take this path. For more information see
www.hurricane.lsu.edu,, www.publichealth.hurricane.lsu.edu, and www.nd.edu/~adcirc/.

2005 Storm Information:

Imagery of New Orleans Area After Hurricane Katrina (Flooding Visible)