Coastal Erosion Hazards

What Are Coastal Hazards?

Coastal hazards are natural and manmade events that impact the boundary between the ocean and the shoreline.

• Hilton Head Island faces a variety of coastal hazards such as hurricanes, tropical storms - often resulting in floods and coastal erosion - as well as pollution.
• Vulnerability to these hazards is aggravated by pollution, poor coastal construction practices, and destruction of coastal vegetation that are part of dunes, dune systems and buffers.

Why Be Concerned About Coastal Hazards?

Risks from coastal hazards are expected to increase in the future as development and populations continue to grow in coastal areas and a rise in sea level occurs due to climate change.

• The potential to have lives lost, damage to critical facilities, homes and businesses highlight the need to better understand the impact and possible devastation of coastal hazards on our community.
• To reduce this risk, it is important to mitigate against the hazards in order to preserve life and protect property.

What Is Storm Surge?

Storm surge results from the combination of low pressure associated with an oncoming storm and high winds which push on the ocean's surface causing a temporary rise in the level of the sea.

• The water surges onto the shore, flooding areas inland of the high water mark (a reference mark which indicates the maximum normal stage of tide or flood) and therefore reaching higher along the beach front.
• Waves are capable of reducing buildings to rubble, eroding long stretches of beach, undermining poorly anchored structures and undercutting roads.

Make Your Home Safe From Storm Surge

Damage from storm surge is likely to result causing beach erosion that undermines foundations.

• Build your home a safe distance away from the beach to minimize the impact of storm surge.
• Build your house on columns to prevent sand and water from storm surge and flooding from getting into your house.

What Is Coastal Erosion?

Coastal erosion is a natural process that consists of the breakdown of rock and sediments at the shoreline, both above and below the water surface.

• The removal of sand is caused by wave and tidal action and long-shore currents.
• This process is usually very significant and is often enhanced by storm events.
• The extent of erosion from storms is directly related to the number, intensity and duration of the storms.
• Although susceptible to erosion, beaches form the first line of defense against ocean waves, providing a buffer between the waves and coastal properties.
• When beaches are cut back during storms they progressively lose this buffering ability, making further coastal erosion more likely.
• As the beach erodes, vulnerable properties are placed at even greater risk.

Protect Your Home From Coastal Erosion

• Build a safe distance from the water's edge
• Maintain a buffer between your home and your beachfront property line
• Plant salt tolerant vegetation to minimize erosion
• Adhere to beachfront regulations
• Don't alter the natural environment
• Elevate your home