Storm surge is caused primarily by the strong winds in a hurricane or tropical storm. The low pressure of the storm has minimal contribution! The wind circulation around the eye of a hurricane (left above) blows on the ocean surface and produces a vertical circulation in the ocean (right above).

What is storm surge and how is it caused?

Storm surge is purely water level rise caused by hurricane winds and low pressure. However, when surge levels are combined with the already-present tide, "storm surge" becomes "storm tide". If storm surge hits a coastal area during its high tide, it can cause even more damage.

What can cause floods and storm surges?