Peril Know-How: Storm Surge 101
Following massive coastal storms, like hurricanes, we’ll often hear and see news reports about the disastrous effects of storm surge putting people and property at risk. But what exactly is storm surge, how does it happen and why is it so damaging? Generally speaking, storm surge is when sea water is pushed toward the shore by the force of high winds, like those experienced during a hurricane, and pushes up and over the shoreline often going miles inland and can cause flooding far from the coast. But storm surge is a very complex phenomenon and is highly sensitive to the environment it develops within. The slightest changes in storm intensity, speed, size, angle of approach and the shape and characteristics of coastal features all have a role to play in the final size and impact of storm surge. This surge of sea water is often the greatest threat to life [...]