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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Storm Surge: What is it and what damage does it cause?

8/18/2018 (Permalink)

When hurricanes hit coastal towns, you’ve probably heard of the “wall of water” that can follow the storm. This water wall is usually to blame for the majority of flooding that causes significant property damage.

Yet the proper name for this effect is “storm surge.”

What is Storm Surge?

Scientists and storm watchers use the gravitational forces of the sun and moon to predict tides. Storm surge occurs when a storm pushes the water level above predicted astronomical tides.

Storm surge, as the name suggests, is more violent than a simple higher-than-normal tide. Unlike an abnormally high tide, this type of rise in tide level is only caused by storms.

What Causes Storm Surge?

There are many factors involved in a storm surge, but it is primarily caused by strong winds during a storm. The wind from a tropical storm or hurricane pushes under the water and forces water into a mound. This mound may not be noticeable out at sea, but closer to shore it’s hard to miss. When that mound pushes onto shore and further, that’s storm surge.

Other factors that affect the development of storm surge are air pressure, the shape of the coastline, seafloor depth, and the strength and direction of the storm.

The Dangers and Damage of Storm Surge

Not only does storm surge cause flooding and damage, it’s dangerous even at low levels. The water in a surge can move as fast as the hurricane winds that caused it. Because the current is so strong, it can easily take down anything in its path: trees, power lines, cars, and even people.

Whatever gets knocked down by the surge also gets carried along with the current -- which causes even more damage to anything that gets in the way of the water or debris.

Storm surge pushes water further inland than it normally would be, causing major flooding and flood damage.

Storm surge can also arrive a day before a storm, which means the possibility of cutting off evacuation routes and trapping people in the path of the storm.

Hurricane Katrina holds the record for highest storm surge at 27.8 feet.

Stay Safe During and After a Storm

The best way to stay safe during a severe tropical storm, especially with a risk of storm surge, is to evacuate as soon as possible. Never assume that you will be able to withstand storm waters - especially deep flood waters with their own currents.

Once the storm has cleared, you’ll be facing restoration efforts to return your home and life to normal. Keep in mind that flooding can contaminate areas with debris and biohazards.

If your home or property have been affected by storm damage, you’ll need professional help. SERVPRO® of Alamo Heights is ready to help get life back on track. Call today for professional storm damage restoration services. 

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