A new study on the storm-surge potential from a hurricane coming ashore in Volusia County confirms what Port Orange Fire Chief Tom Weber already knew in his heart.

Much of the east side, including many of his own fire stations, could be flooded during a direct hit from a large Category 3 hurricane .

Two deadly forces cause the most destruction during a hurricane: wind and storm surge. When Hurricane Katrina hit Mississippi on Aug. 29, 2005, it proved the worst possible surge scenario: a large hurricane arriving on a full-moon high tide. A 24- to 28-foot wall of water, topped by high waves, pushed into Bay St. Louis and up the Jordan River.