STORM / TIDAL SURGE
Storm surge is a large mound of water that accompanies a tropical
cyclone as it comes ashore.
The intense winds of the cyclone pile up the ocean into a dome of water
that is pushed onshore as the cyclone strikes the coast. The low pressure
of the cyclone adds to the height of the mound of water, though this is a
secondary effect.
When the height of a storm surge is discussed it does not take into
account the height of the large waves on top of the mound of water. The
combination of storm surge and astronomical tide is known as 'storm tide'.
The worst impacts occur when the storm surge arrives on top of a high tide.
When this happens, the storm tide can reach areas that might otherwise
have been safe. Water levels can rise several metres in just a few hours
during the time of very strong winds when it is too late to move about so it is
important that you make the decision to evacuate early.
If you live in a low lying area susceptible to storm surge then identify an
alternative place to shelter before the cyclone arrives.
Low lying areas, such as Pretty Pool, can be prone to storm/tidal surges during
cyclone season.
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