Storm surges are rapid rises of offshore water associated with a severe low-pressure weather system. Surges are normally caused by high winds blowing across the surface of the ocean. They are common features associated with hurricanes and cyclones, and they can often be the most damaging effect of such storms upon landfall. While the topography of the shoreline can cause a great deal of variance in the height of a single storm's surge, it is possible to reasonably estimate the surge that will occur at a particular location if accurate measurements of the storm are available.
- Calculator
- Storm reconnaissance data
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Instructions
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1
Square the forecasted wind speed in miles per hour at the location for which you wish to calculate the storm surge.
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2
Divide the result by the average water depth at the location.
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3
Multiply your result by 0.00035, a multiplier accounting for the density of sea water, to calculate the likely storm surge in feet at your location.
