Here are important things that you should know about Storm Surge
A storm surge is considered the greatest and quietest killer in a tropical cyclone and people should know these pieces of information about this.
One of the most destructive natural calamities is a storm surge. It can destroy properties and kill lives, especially if a strong one hits a certain place. There are certain places on earth are prone to experiencing storms. These are the things that you should understand about this natural occurrence, based on the article in Mental Floss.
A sudden inundation of seawater
The landfalling tropical cyclone’s strong winds thrust it inland. Usually, the flood it brings is only a few feet deep. However, there were surges that brought devastating floods like what happened during Hurricane Katrina.
It aren’t caused only by hurricanes
Hurricanes are not the only cause of storm surges. There were times when tropical depressions and tropical storms could also inundate coastlines if their winds were strong enough. It also includes powerful winter storms.
Tracking and timing determine its severity
The track really does matter when it comes to storm surges. The right-front quadrant of its eyewall or the part of the storm that is in front of the eye and to the right of its forward movement is the worst winds in a storm. For timing, this will tell how much flooding people on the coast will experience.
Wind speed is a bigger factor
Ninety-five percent of storm surge is driven by the wind. Then, the other five percent is water that rises above sea level and this is because of the low air pressure at the center of the storm.
Curvy coastlines amplify the destruction
The shape of the coastline will determine the impact of a storm surge on coastal communities. The surge can be aggravated by shallow waters offshore and concave bays and inlets. It will also make the inundation deeper than it would have been otherwise.
Slow-moving storms can create bigger damage
The long duration of the storm with powerful winds blowing inland for days at a time is very dangerous.