These marks are likely a good measure of Michael’s peak storm tide (height above MSL of the storm surge plus the tide), according to Dr. In a post-storm survey, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) found at least three high-quality still-water marks between 17 - 19’ above mean sea level (MSL) in Mexico Beach, taken inside of buildings where waves could not reach.

Michael killed 45 people and caused damage in excess of $15 billion, according to an estimate last week from insurance broker Aon.

The peak storm surge, located along the right side of where the eyewall made landfall, hit the town of Mexico Beach, which suffered devastating storm surge damage. Image credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images.Īs an intensifying Hurricane Michael roared ashore in Florida’s Panhandle as a top-end Category 4 storm with 155 mph winds on October 10, 2018, it pushed a massive and destructive storm surge to the coast. The neighborhood, which had homes most of the way to the beach before the storm, was flattened by Michael’s storm surge. Above: A man walks through a beachfront neighborhood that was decimated by Hurricane Michael on Octoin Mexico Beach, Florida.

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