BREAKOUT SESSION

Wave, Goodbye! Why Storm Surge is Far More Damaging Than Wind

This course is designed for insurance adjusters and attorneys practicing in first-party property insurance defense and provides a comprehensive understanding of the structural effects of storm surge and wind on coastal buildings during hurricanes. Participants will learn the fundamental engineering principles behind water and wind forces, including hydrostatic pressure, buoyancy, hydrodynamic forces, wave impact, and wind uplift. The course will illustrate these concepts through real-life case studies, demonstrating how storm surge is often the primary cause of catastrophic structural failure. Attendees will gain insight into forensic investigative methodologies used to differentiate wind damage from flood damage and how these findings impact insurance claims and legal disputes.