Introduction to Storm Surge

Storm surge is an abnormal
rise of water generated by a
storm, over and above the
predicted astronomical tide.
• It’s the change in the water level
that is due to the presence of the
storm
• Since storm surge is a difference
between water levels, it does not
have a reference level

Storm tide is the water level
rise during a storm due to
the combination of storm
surge and the astronomical
tide.
• Since storm tide is the
combination of surge and tide, it
does require a reference level
• A 15 ft. storm surge on top of a
high tide that is 2 ft. above mean
sea level produces a 17 ft. storm
tide.