What Are Storm Surges and Why Are They Dangerous?

When powerful hurricanes make landfall, they bring with them a host of destructive forces, and one of the most perilous among them is the storm surge.

Storm surges are rapidly rising walls of water that result from the intense winds and low atmospheric pressure associated with hurricanes. These surges pose significant threats to coastal regions, causing widespread flooding, property damage, and loss of life.

What is Storm Surge?

A storm surge occurs when a hurricane's powerful winds push large volumes of seawater toward the shoreline. The low atmospheric pressure associated with the hurricane also contributes to the surge, allowing water to pile up higher than the surrounding sea level. The combination of wind and low pressure creates a domino effect, resulting in a sudden and massive influx of water onto the coast.

Dangers of Storm Surges