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Sea Level Level 4

Measuring Storm Effects

Storms can have a big impact on local water levels in coastal areas. A storm surge happens when water is pushed toward the shore by high powered winds from a storm such as a hurricane. The storm interacts with the normal tide to create a storm tide that can increase the normal water height by 4 to 5 meters (15 feet) or more. These events can cause extreme flooding in coastal areas. Most coastlines in the United States are only 3 meters (10 feet) or less above mean sea level, which means that storms can be very dangerous for people who live near the coast.

Use the tide chart below to compare tide heights before and during a storm an check your understanding. Then try making your charts to look at the effects of storms using real data.

Check your understanding

Correct!  Try again.	1. What was the average high water level during high tides between 09/11/2005 and 09/17/2005?
	Between 0.000 and 1.000 meters below MLLW.  Between 0.100 and 0.200 meters above MLLW.  Between 0.500 and 0.700 meters above MLLW.  Between 1.000 and 1.200 meters above MLLW.
Correct!  Try again.	2. What were the highest water levels recorded between 09/22/2005 and 09/28/2005?
	Between 0.400 and 0.600 meters below MLLW.  Between 0.600 and 0.800 meters above MLLW.  Between 1.000 and 1.200 meters above MLLW.  Between 10.00 and 12.00 meters above MLLW.

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