A storm surge can occur when severe winter storms occur at the same time as very high tides, particularly king tides. The surge itself is caused by the wind and pressure “pushing” the water onto the shore, often resulting in high, powerful waves and flooding.
Storm surges can happen quickly and can cause water to rise dramatically within minutes. Getting caught near the shoreline during a storm surge could be life-threatening.
How to prepare
Knowing when these very high tide days are going to occur and storm tracking can be useful if you have waterfront property or a boat.
Have an emergency plan and prepare an emergency kit so you can survive on your own for a minimum of 72 hours, and know what to do if you have to evacuate.
What to do during a storm surge
- Stay away from the beach.
- Stay away from debris in the water, which can be dangerous to people and pets.
