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Storm surge is generally made stronger by several factors:

  1. Stronger winds.
  2. Larger area covered by strong winds.
  3. Longer duration at a higher intensity.
  4. Lower barometric pressure, though this is a smaller contributor.
  5. High tide, though not a component of storm surge, can add to it in what is called a storm tide.

The opposites of these will lead to a small storm surge.

Originally storm surge was correlated with wind speed alone, but this was discarded.

Examples:

  • In 2004 Hurricane Charley struck Florida as a strong category 4 hurricane. This would normally bring a very large storm surge, but the storm was small and had only recently intensified from a category 2.
  • In 2005 Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast as a category 3, but due to the storm's enormous size and having recently weakened from a category 5, it had an enormous storm surge.
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What factors make a storm surge weaker?

The main factors affecting storm surge strength are prevailing winds and the tide. Local geography also plays a significant role.


What two main factors affect the height of a hurricane's storm surge?

The height of a hurricane's storm surge is primarily influenced by the hurricane's intensity and the shape of the coastline. A stronger hurricane generates higher winds, which can push more water toward the shore, while the coastal topography and bathymetry can amplify or diminish the surge's impact. Additionally, factors such as the storm's forward speed and the alignment of the storm relative to the coastline also play significant roles.


What is used to measure storm surge?

Tidal gauges usually measure the storm surge.


What tool is used to assess how high storm surge might be?

The tool commonly used to assess potential storm surge height is the Storm Surge Model, which incorporates various factors such as storm intensity, wind speed, atmospheric pressure, and coastal topography. These models simulate how storm surge interacts with the shoreline and predict inundation levels in specific areas. Additionally, tools like the SLOSH (Sea, Lake, and Overland Surges from Hurricanes) model are frequently employed by meteorologists and emergency management agencies to forecast storm surge impacts.


What contributes the storm surge?

"Storm surge" is the above-normal water level caused by tropical storms, especially by the high winds. The storm surge can be higher or lower than otherwise might be the case depending on the tides; a storm surge at high tides can be far more destructive than the storm at low tides.

Related Questions

What factors make a storm surge weaker?

The main factors affecting storm surge strength are prevailing winds and the tide. Local geography also plays a significant role.


What two main factors affect the height of a hurricane's storm surge?

The height of a hurricane's storm surge is primarily influenced by the hurricane's intensity and the shape of the coastline. A stronger hurricane generates higher winds, which can push more water toward the shore, while the coastal topography and bathymetry can amplify or diminish the surge's impact. Additionally, factors such as the storm's forward speed and the alignment of the storm relative to the coastline also play significant roles.


What part of speech is storm surge?

"Storm surge" is a noun.


Does a storm surge bring cooler and drier air?

No. A storm surge is a bulge on the surface of a body of water created by a strong storm such as a hurricane. The storm surge can bring coastal flooding.


What is used to measure storm surge?

Tidal gauges usually measure the storm surge.


What is an expected storm surge of a hurricane with a central air pressure recorded at 28.70 inches?

The central air pressure of a hurricane is not directly correlated with the expected storm surge. Other factors such as wind speed, storm size, and coastal topography play a more significant role in determining the storm surge height. Regional meteorological agencies would provide more accurate information on the expected storm surge for a specific hurricane.


What tool is used to assess how high storm surge might be?

The tool commonly used to assess potential storm surge height is the Storm Surge Model, which incorporates various factors such as storm intensity, wind speed, atmospheric pressure, and coastal topography. These models simulate how storm surge interacts with the shoreline and predict inundation levels in specific areas. Additionally, tools like the SLOSH (Sea, Lake, and Overland Surges from Hurricanes) model are frequently employed by meteorologists and emergency management agencies to forecast storm surge impacts.


How long does a storm surge last?

A storm surge typically lasts a few hours as it coincides with the peak of the storm when strong winds push water onshore. However, the duration can vary depending on the size and intensity of the storm, as well as local topography and other factors.


What tool is used to assess storm surge threats?

Storm surge threats are typically assessed using computer models called storm surge models. These models take into account factors such as the storm's intensity, size, forward speed, and track to predict the extent and magnitude of the surge. Additionally, historical data and local topography are used to refine these predictions.


What contributes the storm surge?

"Storm surge" is the above-normal water level caused by tropical storms, especially by the high winds. The storm surge can be higher or lower than otherwise might be the case depending on the tides; a storm surge at high tides can be far more destructive than the storm at low tides.


Where is a storm surge located in relation to a storm?

A storm surge occurs over water. It is a rising of the sea as a result of atmospheric pressure changes and wind associated with a storm.


Why was there a storm surge for hurricane sandy?

Hurricane Sandy produced a storm surge for the same reason that all other landfalling hurricanes do. The large area of strong winds from a hurricane essentially pushes the seawater onto land. Although other hurricanes have had far stronger winds than Sandy, that storm's extremely large wind field produced a high storm surge, which was made even worse as it was funnel up Long Island Sound.