Meteorology · Tropical Cyclones — Storm Surge
Storm surge associated with a landfalling tropical cyclone is primarily caused by:
- ATidal resonance unrelated to the storm
- BHeavy rainfall runoff alone
- CWind pushing water toward the coast (with a smaller contribution from the low central pressure)✓ Correct
- DCooling of the sea surface
Explanation
Surge is the abnormal rise of water generated chiefly by strong onshore winds piling water against the coast; the low pressure adds a smaller 'inverted barometer' rise. Surge peaks in the right-front quadrant and is worst when it coincides with high tide.
Authority: NOAA/NWS storm surge; WMO
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