Why are storm surges dangerous

The height and extent of this pile of water depend on the strength and size of the hurricane. Gentle slopes along the Louisiana and Texas coasts have contributed to some devastating storm surges. Both were large, powerful storms that hit in vulnerable locations. The shape of the coastline can also shape the surge. When storm surge enters a bay or river, the geography of the land can act as a funnel, sending the water even higher. Ocean tides — caused by the gravity of the moon and sun — can also strengthen or weaken the impact of storm surge.

At high tide, the water is already at an elevated height. If landfall happens at high tide, the storm surge will cause even higher water levels and bring more water further inland. The Carolinas saw those effects when Hurricane Isaias hit at close to high tide on Aug. Isaias brought a storm surge of about 4 feet at Myrtle Beach , South Carolina, but the water level was more than 10 feet above normal.

Sea level rise is another growing concern that influences storm surge. As water warms, it expands , and that has slowly raised sea level over the past century as global temperatures have risen.

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Create your free account or Sign in to continue. See Subscription Options. Discover World-Changing Science. What is storm surge? What determines how high storm surge gets? As this pile of water moves toward the coast, other factors can change its height and extent. Other factors that shape storm surge Ocean tides — caused by the gravity of the moon and sun — can also strengthen or weaken the impact of storm surge. Get smart. Sign up for our email newsletter. Sign Up.