Hurricane Opal

Abstract

In terms of both coastal erosion and structural damage Hurricane Opal may prove to have been the most destructive storm ever to impact the coastal zone of Florida. Structural damage, as well as, beach and dune erosion occurred throughout all of the Panhandle from Escambia to Franklin counties. Damage extended to a lesser degree into lower Gulf Coast counties including Pinellas through Sarasota. Although significant wind damage was observed, the most extensive damage in the coastal zone seaward of the State of Florida CCCL lines was the result of the storm surge and accompanying wave heights and erosion. The structural damage which occurred was primarily the result of structures not being designed and constructed to withstand the impacts of the hurricane. The structural damage to non-conforming structures generated large volumes of debris. Structural damage assessments performed by the Bureau clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the CCCL program in drastically reducing damages sustained by a major hurricane event. Post-Opal response presented a number of problems including retrieval of sand which was transported by overwash processes, much of it containing construction debris, as well as, the potential of hazardous debris being buried in beach and nearshore areas. Beach scraping and the rebuilding process will continue for months following the storm. Restoration and remedial assistance will be needed to ensure a full and rapid recovery of the beaches and dunes in the Panhandle, particularly in view of the economic importance of those beaches. The Bureau of Beaches and Coastal Systems is currently developing a plan for restoration and recovery of eroded shoreline areas within the Opal-impacted Panhandle region. In addition to the recovery plan, a longer-term study of the impacts of Opal and post-storm recovery processes will be conducted.