Genesis
(Weather Guru)
Mon Aug 29 2005 01:28 AM
Re: Storm surge totals - explanation

Quote:

I looked at the graphic depicting the probable storm surge.

The surge was estimated between 20-30 feet in the New Orleans area.

I have a question. Is storm surge 20-30 feet above sea level? Or does it mean 20-30 feet above the normal water level in the area in question. For example, N.O. is 12 feet below sea level.

So do I add twenty feet to -12 or.....

I'm confused. Clarification appreciated.

Thanks,
Bev



Surge is the rise above current level, so you also have to adjust for the normal tide.

You then add on top of the surge the wave height. So if you have a 20' surge and 10' waves, the top of the water is 30' above the normal water level.

If you have a 20' surge and a 20' levee, you'd think you're ok - and you are, unless there are another 10' worth of waves on top of the surge......


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