Davis, J., Mitsova, D., Briggs, T. C. and Briggs, T.R., 2019. “Post-Hurricane Michael damage assessment using ADCIRC storm surge hindcast, image classification, and LiDAR,” Shore & Beach, 87(4), 3-14. http://doi.org/10.34237/1008741
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Post-Hurricane Michael damage assessment using ADCIRC storm surge hindcast, image classification, and LiDAR
Joshua Davis(1), Diana Mitsova(2), Tynon C. Briggs(3), and Tiffany Roberts Briggs(3),*
1) Certified Floodplain Manager, Orlando, FL 32818
2) School of Regional and Urban Planning, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431
3) Dept. of Geosciences, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431
*Corresponding author: briggst@fau.edu
Abstract
Remote sensing data collected in the aftermath of a disaster can play a vital role in identifying badly damaged areas where homes and infrastructure have been destroyed, prioritizing emergency assistance needs, locating survivors, and providing restoration guidance. In this study, we use NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey Emergency Response Imagery database, LIDAR, and tax appraiser data to assess storm damage after Hurricane Michael in Mexico Beach, FL. Post-Michael imagery was classified as debris, roofs, vegetation (trees and grass), sand, roads, and water. Pre-storm LiDAR-derived building footprints in the impacted area were overlaid on the reclassified post-storm imagery to quantify the extent of structural damage to residential areas. The extent of the damage was also examined using maximum wave height and depth of storm surge inundation derived from the output of the ADCIRC modeling system. Over 700 buildings were classified as considerably damaged or completely destroyed. The 2017 tax appraiser data were used to estimate the economic value of the storm impact. Results of this study may help in reconsidering existing building code requirements to protect people and property and reduce future storm damages.