Storm surge and rainfall flooding combined for 75 percent of all deaths in the U.S. from hurricanes, tropical storms or tropical depressions from 1963 to 2012.

To contrast, says the National Hurricane Center, deaths from a tropical cyclone's winds or embedded tornadoes accounted for only 10 to 15 percent of fatalities in the U.S. in that time.

Hurricane Katrina (2005) is a prime example of the damage and devastation that can be caused by surge, says the National Hurricane Center. At least 1,500 persons lost their lives during Katrina and many of those deaths occurred directly, or indirectly, as a result of storm surge.

Surge vulnerability facts from the National Hurricane Center include:

• From 1990-2008, population density increased by 32% in Gulf coastal counties, 17% in Atlantic coastal counties, and 16% in Hawaii (U.S. Census Bureau 2010)
• Much of the United States' densely populated Atlantic and Gulf Coast coastlines lie less than 10 feet above mean sea level
• Over half of the Nation's economic productivity is located within coastal zones
• 72% of ports, 27% of major roads, and 9% of rail lines within the Gulf Coast region are at or below 4 ft elevation (CCSP, SAP 4-7)
• A storm surge of 23 ft has the ability to inundate 67% of interstates, 57% of arterials, almost half of rail miles, 29 airports, and virtually all ports in the Gulf Coast area (CCSP SAP 4-7)

In addition to Hurricane Katrina, other notable surge events, says the National Hurricane Center, include: 

Ike 2008 (SLOSH Historical Run)

Hurricane Ike made landfall near the north end of Galveston Island as a Category 2 hurricane. Storm surges of 15-20 feet above normal tide levels occurred along the Bolivar Peninsula of Texas and in much of the Galveston Bay area. Property damage from Ike is estimated at $24.9 billion. 

Dennis 2005 (SLOSH Historical Run)

Dennis affected much of Florida, and its effects extended well inland over portions of the southeastern United States with the maximum amount rainfall of 12.80 inches occuring near Camden, Alabama. Storm surge flooding of 7-9 ft produced considerable storm surge-related damage near St. Marks, Florida, well to the east of the landfall location. The damage associated with Dennis in the United States is estimated at $2.23 billion.

Isabel 2003 (SLOSH Historical Run)

Isabel was the worst hurricane to affect the Chesapeake Bay region since 1933. Storm surge values of more than 8 feet flooded rivers that flowed into the bay across Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. Isabel was the most intense hurricane of the 2003 season and directly resulted in 17 deaths and more than $3 billion in damages.  

Hugo 1989 (SLOSH Historical Run)

Hugo impacted the southeastern United States, including South Carolina cities Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Hugo was responsible for 60 deaths and $7 billion in damages, with the highest storm surge estimated at 19.8 feet at Romain Retreat, South Carolina. More...

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/surge/