Hurricane Katrina had one of the highest storm surges in the United States ever recorded. Storm surge is caused by swirling gusts of high speed wind and low atmospheric pressure. An actual storm surge is water from the ocean that is pushed to the shore by the force of the winds created from the hurricane. This surge combines with the normal tides and can cause the water level to rise by 30 feet or more. Storm surge combined with waves can cause intense damage. It can severely destroy beaches and coastal highways. The slamming waves can take out boats and buildings. As the waters move inland, rivers and lakes add to the rising flood levels.
