When a hurricane strikes a coastal area, it brings a number of serious hazards. These hazards include heavy rains, high winds, a storm surge, and even tornadoes.

Storm surge pushes seawater on shore during a hurricane, flooding towns near the coast.
(Image: Historic NWS Collection)

Heavy rains cause flooding in inland places as well. This picture was taken after Hurricane Floyd drenched parts of the U.S. East Coast with 8 to 16 inches of rain in 1999.
(Image: NWS NOAA)

Do you see the piece of wood that is stuck within the trunk of this palm tree? Powerful winds during Hurricane Andrew drove it in there.
(Image: NHC NOAA)

High winds, storm surge, flooding and tornadoes cause damage to houses and cars that are in the path of a hurricane.
(Image: NHC NOAA)

While there is no way to stop a hurricane from hitting a coastal area, people in communities near the coast usually have a few days warning as a hurricane approaches.  That's enough time to get out of harm's way before the storm arrives.