I lived in Biloxi, Mississippi during a category 2-3 hurricane about 15 years ago. I watched the storm surge raise the water level in the back bay 20 feet at the apartment complex I lived in at the time. Narragansett Bay, where I live in now, is funnel shaped which means that a storm surge magnifies the flood level well more than might be expected.
The tupperware ice trick is a good one Miss Kenton. I'm freezing some water right now and will lay in some extra food today. I have two kerosene lamps in the event power is lost for several days and a portable radio.