STORM SURGE

What is storm surge? What to do: Before, During, and After Available tools for
monitoring a storm surge:
refers to a temporary rise in sea level that occurs during a severe
storm, particularly during tropical cyclones (hurricanes,
BEFORE
typhoons) or intense extratropical storms. Check your house and land for any potential dangers related to flooding.
It is characterized by a significant and rapid increase in water Sandbags are a valuable tool to prevent water from entering your home.
High Water Marks
levels along coastlines, leading to the flooding of low-lying areas. Learn how to turn off the gas and electricity in your house. (HWM)
It is caused by strong winds and low atmospheric pressures Keep your important documents at a higher level, protected from flood
produced by tropical cyclones. A high water mark is a point that represents the
damage.
maximum rise of a body of water over land. Such a
Ensure that your family has an emergency kit and plan.
mark is often the result of a flood, but high water
Ensure your emergency kit is portable, in a back-pack or suitcase with
Effects of storm surge: wheels.
marks may reflect an all-time high, an annual
high (highest level to which water rose that
Check supplies including medications, radio, flashlight and batteries.
year) or the high point for some other division of
Flooding: Storm surge can cause widespread flooding, which can You may have to evacuate. Keep your emergency kit close at hand.
time.
inundate homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Flooding can also Make sure the basement windows are closed.
contaminate drinking water supplies and spread disease. Fuel your car.
Damage to property and infrastructure: Storm surge can cause
extensive damage to property and infrastructure. Homes,
Tide Stations (NOAA)
businesses, roads, bridges, and other structures can be
destroyed or damaged by floodwaters.
Loss of life: Storm surge is a major cause of death during
DURING AFTER Tide stations measure the variation in water level
along the coast. Since tidal cycles are
hurricanes and other storms. People can be killed by drowning, predictable, storm surge can be calculated by
Stay inside where you are Ensure personal safety: Check
injuries from flying debris, or electrocution from downed power subtracting what the water level would have
protected from the water. yourself and others for injuries.
lines. been in the absence of the storm from the
Monitor the storm's progress and If anyone is injured, seek medical
Erosion of beaches and wetlands: Storm surge can cause erosion measured water level.
listen for warnings or instructions assistance immediately.
of beaches and wetlands. This can damage coastal ecosystems
from local officials. Evacuate if necessary, if
and make the coastline more vulnerable to future storms.
Before driving anywhere, listen authorities have issued
Undermining of infrastructure: Storm surge can undermine the
foundations of infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and
carefully to rescue officials who evacuation orders or if your area Pressure Sensors (USGS)
will be coordinating evacuation is deemed unsafe, follow their
buildings. This can lead to structural damage and collapse.
plans. instructions and evacuate
Do not drive through flood Pressure transducers (sensors) are accurate,
Contact emergency services if
reliable, and cost-effective tools to measure and
Impending signs of storm surge: waters. you need immediate assistance.
record the magnitude, extent, and timing of
Be aware of risks such as Once it is safe to do so, assess the
hypothermia from cold water or hurricane storm surge. Data collected by sensors
damage to your property.
flooding in coastal areas drowning from running water. may be used in storm-surge models to estimate
Notify relevant parties.
High tides If an evacuation order has been when, where, and to what degree stormsurge
Take steps to prevent additional
Land elevation issued, follow it immediately. flooding will occur during future storm-surge
damage to your property.
Uncertainties in the track, landfall location, intensity, forward Preserve drinking water. events
Seek temporary shelter if needed.
speed, and size of the cyclone Stay away from coastal areas. Take steps to prevent additional
Flooding inside levees, overtopping of levees, or flooding resulting Keep emergency supplies damage to your property.
from levee failures accessible. Clean and disinfect.
Stay calm and reassure others. "We cannot stop natural disasters but we can
Begin the process of repairing
Keep your mobile phone fully and rebuilding your property. only arm ourselves with knowledge: so many
charged and limit its use to Stay updated! lives wouldn't have to be lost if there was
essential communications. enough disaster preparedness."
-- Petra Nemcova