Storm Surge Vs. Flood: What’s The Difference?
When it comes to severe weather, storm surge vs. flood is a distinction many people may not fully understand. Both can cause significant damage. However, the causes and impacts of these two phenomena are quite different.
Stone Building Solutions knows the importance of preparing for these events, especially in areas prone to hurricanes and heavy rainfall. Knowing the difference between storm surge and flood can help you better prepare for potential risks to your property.
What is Storm Surge?
Storm surge is the abnormal rise in sea level caused by a storm. This surge happens when high winds from a tropical storm or hurricane push seawater toward the shore.
As the storm moves closer to land, the strong winds cause the water to pile up and increase its height. Storm surge is most dangerous in coastal areas, especially when a hurricane makes landfall.
The impact of storm surges can be devastating. It can cause water levels to rise several feet above normal tide levels, flooding homes, businesses, and roads. In some cases, storm surges can push seawater far inland and lead to widespread damage. Storm surge is often one of the most dangerous aspects of a hurricane. It is responsible for most of the storm’s flooding and destruction.
What is Flooding?
On the other hand, flooding refers to the overflow of water onto normally dry land. This can happen in a variety of ways. Floods are caused by heavy rainfall, storm surge, or the rapid melting of snow. Floods can also result from a dam or levee breaking, or when rivers and streams exceed their normal capacity due to excess water.
Flooding can occur anywhere, not just along the coast. For example, flash floods caused by intense rainstorms can affect areas far from any large bodies of water. Urban areas, with their large amounts of concrete and limited drainage, are often especially vulnerable to flooding.
Unlike storm surge, flooding can happen without a storm or hurricane present. However, storms often increase the likelihood of flooding–particularly in coastal regions or areas near rivers.
Key Differences: Storm Surge vs. Flood
Cause
Storm surge is caused by the winds of a tropical storm or hurricane pushing seawater toward the shore. Meanwhile, flooding can be caused by rainfall, rapid snowmelt, or a dam failure. Flooding can also result from storm surge. However, it is not exclusively linked to storms.
Location
Storm surge mainly affects coastal areas, especially during hurricanes. On the other hand, flooding can happen anywhere, even in areas far from the coast.
Duration and Timing
Storm surge typically happens quickly, often within hours of a storm making landfall. Flooding can take longer to develop. Floods can persist for days or weeks, particularly when caused by heavy rainfall or river overflow.
Impact
Both storm surge and flooding can cause severe damage to property and infrastructure. Nevertheless, storm surge is often the more immediate and destructive force. Storm surge can wash away entire neighborhoods and infrastructure along the coast.
Flooding can cause damage over a wider area and can affect homes, businesses, and agricultural land that are not near the coast.
Storm Surge vs. Flood: How to Prepare
Preparing for both storm surge and flooding is key to protecting your property. For storm surge, it is important to understand the storm’s projected path and the likelihood of rising water. No matter if you live in a coastal area or near a body of water, always follow evacuation orders and move to higher ground if necessary.
For flooding, it is important to make sure that your property has adequate drainage systems in place. If you are in a flood-prone area, consider flood insurance and installing sump pumps or barriers to protect your home. Keep in mind that flood insurance typically does not cover damage from storm surges. That’s why it is important to evaluate both risks.
How Stone Building Solutions Can Help
Understanding storm surge vs. flood is important for homeowners and property managers, especially in areas prone to severe weather. Stone Building Solutions provides expert support to help protect your property from weather-related risks.
Our services include structural inspections, damage claims, reserve studies, and risk evaluations to make sure your building remains safe and resilient.
Stay informed, stay prepared, and do not hesitate to reach out to us for help with your property needs.