Building at higher elevations and farther from the water, the storm may produce only minor first floor damage as opposed to a building that is close to the water with only a seawall to protect (Hurricane Opal, 1995).
In addition to setback and above grade development, the existence of dunes is a positive effect for beaches. Dunes are very important against surge and in some areas there are regulations against dune removal. In areas where dunes are present, damage to houses has been proven to be lesser than when compared to areas where dunes have been destroyed or removed (Hurricane Opal, 1995). Damage is usually higher to houses surrounded by flat beach fronts because the dunes act as a barrier against oncoming waves. The dunes absorb the shock of the waves and help protect against flooding. Unfortunately dunes cannot withstand the beatings of rushing waters for long and eventually they erode. .
Seawalls are also a great way to protect against surge. However, seawall failure is not at all uncommon. Advanced architecture of seawalls should be developed. Seawalls need to be constructed higher and sturdier so that they can withstand wave overflow and fight against undermining. If a wall is not built sturdy or high enough, surge can easily overflow and eventually cause the structure to collapse. Sturdier seawalls should be strong enough to bear the blast of surge. .
In occurrences such as Opal, the necessity of proper preparation on the coast is extreme. In the same season of Hurricane, Tropical Storm Allison and Hurricane Erin struck the Northern Gulf Coast. A recovering panhandle took an even harder hit when Opal arrived. Not only was Opal unpredictable of her exact path of direction, but she varied in strength, reaching a category four then weakening to barely a category three just hours before landfall (Hurricane Opal, 1995). The entire Northern Gulf Coast was preparing for the worst.
