Freedom1st posted:
"The Beau Rivage is located on the SE corner of the intersection of I-110 and US 90 in Biloxi."
Maps show that location to be 17' ASL. Anecdotal surge reports had water into the second floor of this structure:
http://www.beaurivage.com/pages/frameset_noflash.asp
...whose first floor measures to equal three upper floors in Photoshop.
Though I'm unaware of any commercial ceiling heigth less than 10', even 8 feet per floor indicates a storm surge in excess of 40 feet at that location.
Other anecdotal estimates:
Gulf Port, 27'.
Mobile, one report of at least 15', another at not less than 33 feet.
St. Bernard Parish, New Orleans, at least 23', one report from Chalmette indicating 27 feet.
I understand that these numbers are so high as to be incredible, but this is what the maps, in combination with eyewitness reports, add up to.
More as it becomes available.
40 ft would be the rough wave height. That could be why the 2nd floor got soaked.