METEOROLOGY – EVERE WEATHER & TORM CALCULATOR
Hurricane Storm Surge
A precise tool.
What is the Hurricane Storm Surge & How does it work?
A hurricane storm surge is the abnormal rise in sea level during a hurricane that can cause extensive flooding in coastal areas.
The height of the storm surge depends on several factors including wind speed, size of the storm, and the slope of the coastline. The formula to estimate the storm surge height is given by:
H_s = 0.013 times V^2 times R times sin(theta)
H_s = storm surge height (meters)
V = wind speed at the eyewall (m/s)
R = radius of maximum winds (km)
theta = angle between the wind direction and the coastline slope
V = wind speed at the eyewall (m/s)
R = radius of maximum winds (km)
theta = angle between the wind direction and the coastline slope
Understanding this formula helps in predicting and preparing for the potential impacts of a hurricane.
Parameters
Result
β
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hurricane storm surge?
A hurricane storm surge is the abnormal rise in sea level during a hurricane that can cause extensive flooding in coastal areas.
How do I calculate the storm surge height?
Use the formula H_s = 0.013 * V^2 * R * sin(ΞΈ), where H_s is the storm surge height (meters), V is wind speed at the eyewall (m/s), R is radius of maximum winds (km), and ΞΈ is the angle between the wind direction and the coastline.
What factors affect the storm surge height?
The storm surge height depends on wind speed, size of the storm, and the slope of the coastline.
Can you explain what each variable in the formula represents?
H_s is the storm surge height in meters, V is the wind speed at the eyewall in m/s, R is the radius of maximum winds in km, and ΞΈ is the angle between the wind direction and the coastline.
What is the significance of the angle ΞΈ in the formula?
The angle ΞΈ represents the orientation of the storm relative to the coastline. It affects how much of the storm’s energy impacts the coast directly.
How does wind speed affect the storm surge height?
Wind speed has a quadratic relationship with storm surge height, meaning that doubling the wind speed will quadruple the storm surge height.
What is the role of the radius of maximum winds in the storm surge calculation?
The radius of maximum winds (R) indicates how large the area of strong winds is, which directly impacts the total energy available to cause a storm surge.
Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.