Storm surge — seawater pushed ashore by the storm’s winds — is historically the deadliest hurricane hazard. It can raise water levels several meters above normal tide in hours, inundating coastal communities; it’s why coastal evacuation orders exist and must be obeyed.
Inland freshwater flooding from extreme rainfall kills far from the coast and well after landfall, especially when a storm slows down and dumps rain over the same area for days. Many hurricane fatalities occur inland, in vehicles and flooded homes.
Wind defines a storm’s Saffir–Simpson category (1–5) and causes structural damage, downed lines and flying debris; a “major” hurricane is Category 3 or higher. But category measures only wind — it does not capture surge or rainfall, which is why a “lower-category” storm can still be catastrophic.
Tornadoes embedded in the rainbands add a fast, localized threat, often on the storm’s forward-right side. Treat the whole system — surge, rain, wind and tornadoes — not just the headline category.