It's a lot of planning before the storm arrives. You also have to consider the maximum intensity of the storm and the onshore vs. offshore winds. With a storm like Ida, I had plans for a manageable surge in my target (like what occurred) and the worse case scenario - surges to 20+ feet (Katrina). During my pre-storm surveys, I look for things like manhole covers (deadly) and very deep-drop offs. I still use my tripod to probe the ground for curbs, etc. The location must also have some photographic potential, e.g., palm trees. I always have multiple escape routes planned if things get out of control -- generally locations allowing me to still shoot the surge. If the winds are > 60 mph and the surge is 10+ ft., then I'm going to shoot from a garage -- but still moving into the surge when it's civilized. I'll also set up remote GoPro cameras. I've surveyed most public garages from Corpus Christi to Daytona Beach. I sometimes work with private condo garages to gain permission to stay there. I wear an inflatable vest, helmet and boots with puncture-resistant soles. I stay out of inland water, cut off from the ocean because of electrical hazards -- although there is still some risk. I'm working with a company who is developing / testing a personal current detector.
There are also some unexpected dangers in storm surges. I was once stung by some unfriendly sea creature and my leg puffed up like a balloon. I've seen snakes, barrels with hazardous material tags, turds, money (did not take it), a body (Katrina). One of the biggest hazards is debris. A chunk of boat or large piece of driftwood can float on top of the surge like a cork. With pre-storm / post-storm conditions or situations with offshore winds, I'm very cautious / avoid rip currents.
Working in a storm surge beats the living hell out of you. Fighting the currents, waves and winds is exhausting -- as is staying on constant mental alert for hours.
