I’ve been through more storms to remember (by the beach in Juno since the mid-80’s), and it seems to me that the Gulf (both sides) dishes out more storm surge than the Atlantic.
I liken this storm to Andrew - had it hit Ft. Lauderdale instead of Homestead. But even well south of Miami (the universal sea level city joke), there wasn’t anything like what we’re watching.
I’ve either read somewhere or was told that the Gulf has a very gradual depth gradient for a long way offshore. Allegedly, this allows a higher surge buildup.