Rapid Summary
- The Atlantic hurricane season begins in June, lasting for six months and perhaps causing destructive storm surges along coastal areas.
- Storm surges occur when hurricane winds push ocean water ashore, frequently enough resulting in flooding and serious property damage.
- Surge severity is influenced by variables such as shoreline characteristics, storm intensity and size, wind radius, approach angle, and speed.
- Climate change is exacerbating storm surge risks due to rising sea levels and increasingly intense hurricanes.
- Areas already vulnerable to storm surges could face heightened risks,while regions previously unaffected may soon become more exposed.
Images:
- !dTEXT.png?m=1746719410.103&w=900″>Storm surge diagram showing a small bulge near the eye of a hurricane
- !dTEXT.png?m=1746719514.126&w=900″>Variables table influencing storm height
Caption: Jen Christiansen
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