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Tidal Factors
In addition to storm surge, which is generated solely by the storm, there are also tidal forces still in play. These tides combine with the storm surge to produce an overall storm tide. Tides can amplify storm surge during high tides and reduce storm surge during low tides. Storm surge can combine with high tides to produce a storm tide that exceeds reach heights of 20 to 30 feet.
Wind Factors
Storm surge is primarily generated by a storm's winds pushing water toward the shore. While the low pressure of the storm does contribute to storm surge, the impact is miniscule compared to its winds. According to the National Hurricane Center, low pressure only contributes roughly 5 percent to overall storm surge. The size of the storm surge is generally proportional to the wind speed, meaning a doubling of wind speed equals approximately a doubling of storm surge.
Storm Factors
Storm surge is greatly affected by the parameters of the storm itself. The intensity of the storm has an impact on the amount of storm surge, as does the size of its wind field, known as the radius of maximum winds. The forward speed of the storm is also a critical factor. A storm that is advancing at between 18 and 20 mph will produce the greatest storm surge. The angle at which the storm is approaching the coastline is another factor. Storms that move in a direction perpendicular to the coastline will produce the greatest storm surge.
Location Factors
The location of a given spot in relation to the storm will have a tremendous impact on the amount of storm surge encountered. In general, the northeast quadrant of a tropical cyclone produces the most storm surge. This is because it is here that the storm's forward motion combines with the direction of its circulation. This means that if a storm is moving northward toward a landfall, storm surge will be greatest to the east of its center. If a storm is moving westward toward a landfall, storm surge will be greatest to the north of its center.
Coastline Factors
The shape and characteristics of the coastline have a large impact on storm surge. Bays and estuaries will funnel the surge, resulting in a much higher surge. The slope of the continental shelf is a major factor. The shallower the slope is, the higher the storm surge will be. For example, the Louisiana coastline features a wide and shallow shelf, while the shelf drops rapidly off the coast of Miami. This is why storm surge is typically higher along the Gulf coast.