Good question. I know that people are generally knowledgeable and cautious about hurricanes here in the low country of South Carolina. Now, how much information about storm surges in particular, and WHAT IT MEANS TO THEM personally, I'm not so sure. For example, I live about 3 miles inland from the sea shore. I know the threat of a storm surge exists with any strong hurricane, and also depends on factors like the topography (both offshore and onshore) and angle of the storm's approach. But, still, at what level of expected storm surge, if any, I would personally feel threatened, I can't exactly say. In general, because of the wind threat alone, I'd be out of here if there was a Category 3 approaching. Because I've got a family to look after, effectively I would be evacuate a Category 2 or higher. But, I have so say, I have no idea at what level of storm surge forecast I would have to truly worry - 15 ft.? 20 ft.?, 25 ft.? I doubt if many of my neighbors know either. All I know is that we live in a flood zone (insurance premiums tell me that) on a coastal plain. The wind threat I feel reasonably comfortable in looking at a forecast and roughly estimating what that would mean to us. Storm surge? Much more uncertain about that.
If we ever do have the threat of a storm surge, I would hope the forecast includes information on how far inland a surge would affect. It's one thing to predict the height of a storm surge, but that would have to be supplemented by information on the likely practical impacts to be of optimal value.
