STORM SURGE

What is a Storm Surge?

● A storm surge is generally described as the "masses of water that are pushed
toward the shore by meteorological forces." It is basically described as an
escalating seawater to the coast above the normal sea level.
● Storm surge is an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, over and above
the predicted astronomical tides. - large change in sea water level

Cause
● Storm surge is produced by water being pushed toward the shore by the force of
the winds moving cyclonically around the storm. Where the depth is shallow and
the slope of the sea bed is gradual, the natural flow of the water is delayed by the
effect of the friction on the sea bed. As more water moves from the sea to the
coast, excess water piles up on the shore line. This piling up of water makes a
large volume of water which might eventually flow into the hinterland some
distance from the coast.
● Low air pressure causes a slight bulge in the ocean, which adds to the mound of
water that causes storm surge. Most of the water is piled up by wind, but about
5% of the mound is due to low air pressure.

● The primary cause of a storm surge is strong winds. A storm surge starts to form
as winds swirl around, pushing seawater into a “mound” at the center of the
storm. The faster the wind speed, the more water piles up. In addition, low air
pressure at the center of the hurricane or tropical storm adds to the
mound. Roughly 5% of the size of the mound is attributable to low air pressure.  

Most Affected Areas

● Areas along the shore
● Most vulnerable in the ph is palawan because of its low coastline elevation zones
● Low-lying coastal region
● The shape of the coastline makes a difference.
○ Larger storm surges are more likely along coasts that bow inward than
those that bow outward. Places with bays are especially vulnerable
because the mound of water can get funneled into a small area.

Examples of Storm Surge

Most of the examples of storm surges presented are due to strong typhoons. We will not
be tackling them in full detail though because that’s a topic for another group lol
In the Philippines, two of the biggest hurricanes in the history of the country, not only
produced major winds and flooding, it also produced big storm surges.
● Typhoon Haiyan (2013)
○ Super Typhoon Haiyan, also called Typhoon Haiyan or Typhoon Yolanda,
massive and highly destructive storm in the North Pacific Ocean that
affected Palau, the Philippines, Vietnam, and China during early
November 2013.
○ The tropical cyclone produced high winds, coastal storm surges, heavy
rains, and flooding in the land areas over which it passed.
○ By far the worst-hit region was the central Philippines, where the storm
produced widespread devastation and killed thousands of people. Many
considered it to be the country’s worst natural disaster.
○ With maximum sustained winds at landfall there that measured 195 miles
(314 km) per hour, Haiyan was among the most powerful tropical cyclones
ever recorded, if not the most powerful, to strike land.
● Typhoon Rai (2021)
○ Typhoon Rai, known in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Odette, was the
second costliest typhoon in Philippine history behind Typhoon Haiyan in
2013. Rai was a powerful rare tropical cyclone that struck the Philippines
in December 2021.
○ Rai became the first Category 5-equivalent super typhoon to develop in
the month of December since Nock-ten in 2016.
○ Heavy rainfall and strong and gusty winds impacted several areas around
the storm's path, specifically in Mindanao, Visayas, and MIMAROPA
(Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon, and
Palawan) in Luzon.

For occurrences of storm surges outside the Philippines:

○ Hurricane Ike (2008)
■ A powerful tropical cyclone that swept through portions of the
Greater Antilles and Northern America in September 2008,
wreaking havoc on infrastructure and agriculture, particularly in
Cuba and Texas.
■ Hurricane Ike made landfall near the north end of Galveston Island
as a Category 2 hurricane. Storm surges of 15-20 feet above
normal tide levels occurred along the Bolivar Peninsula of Texas
and in much of the Galveston Bay area.
○ Hurricane Camille (1969)
■ Camille was a Category 5 hurricane, the most powerful on the
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale with maximum winds of more
 than 155 mph and storm surge flooding of 24 feet that devastated
the Mississippi coast.
■ The second most intense tropical cyclone on record to strike the
United States (behind the 1935 Labor Day hurricane) and is one of
just four Category 5 hurricanes to make landfall in the U.S.
■ It flattened nearly everything along the Mississippi coast and
caused additional flooding and deaths inland while crossing the
Appalachian Mountains of Virginia
○ Hurricane Katrina (2005)
■ Hurricane Katrina, tropical cyclone that struck the southeastern
United States in late August 2005. The hurricane and its aftermath
claimed more than 1,800 lives, and it ranked as the costliest natural
disaster in U.S. history.
■ Katrina was one of the most devastating hurricanes in the history of
the United States. It produced catastrophic damage.

WHAT TO DO…
Before Storm Surge
1. Stay tuned-in to local TV and radio for public announcements and updates
regarding certain weather conditions that may result to a storm surge
2. Know the risk zones in the area. Plan for evacuation and relocation.
3. Stay off the beach area when there is a weather disturbance
4. Be familiar with the escape routes going to the evacuation center or higher
grounds.
5. Participate in flood or storm surge drills.
6. Prepare a survival kit which contains your basic necessities like clean drinking
water, food, first-aid kit, flashlights, and lighters
7. Prepare a floating device.
8. Put your gadgets in a ziplock bag and secure your documents in a safe place.
9. Do preemptive evacuation if you are in a risk area.

During Storm Surge

1. Keep calm and alert.
2. Stay away from coastal areas.
3. Stay away from steep areas prone to landslides.
4. Shut down the power supply.
5. Hold on to large tree trunks and boulders if caught in a storm surge

After Storm Surge

1. Never eat fresh food that comes in contact with flood water.
2. Check damages on properties and if your family is complete.
 3. Stay away from damaged power, telephone cables, and collapsed structures.
4. Check if your house is safe before moving back in with your family.
5. Immediately clean all debris and mud.
6. Stay tuned-in to local TV and radio for updates and instructions.

Sources:
★ History's worst storm surges - Disaster Risk Reduction Knowledge Service
★ Before a storm surge
★ Storm Surge - Office of Disaster Management
★ What you need to remember about Storm Surges | Official Gazette of the
Republic of the Philippines
★ What is a Storm Surge and What Causes It?
★ Storm Surge Overview
★ The book LMAO