storm surge

USAGE SUMMARY

"storm surge" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
This phrase is used to refer to a sudden rise of water along a coastline that is caused by a storm, such as a hurricane or tropical storm. For example, "The dangerous storm surge from the hurricane flooded several of the coastal towns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That describes a storm surge.

The New York Times - Science

What is a storm surge?

Independent

The storm surge flooded the neighborhood.

The New York Times

The latter storm surge has barely begun.

The New York Times - Books

The storm surge can be incredibly dangerous.

The New York Times

wetlands" that protect against storm surge.

The Washington Post

Residents returned to find roads inundated by the storm surge.

Princeton University

Sewage treatment plants were overwhelmed by flooding from storm surge.

The New York Times

Sure, rising seas will make any storm surge worse.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

However, i have affinity with the power of storm-surge and how strong "edifice's" structures to withstand storm-surge.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Two movable storm-surge barriers were added in 1997.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of a hurricane or cyclone, specifically mention the "storm surge" to highlight the immediate threat of coastal flooding.

Common error

Avoid using "storm surge" interchangeably with general flooding. "Storm surge" refers specifically to the abnormal rise of water caused by a storm's winds pushing water onshore. Regular flooding can occur due to excessive rainfall or river overflow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "storm surge" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate usage in describing a specific weather phenomenon. For example, "The storm surge flooded the neighborhood."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

21%

Science

19%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "storm surge" refers to an unusual rise in sea level during a storm, primarily due to high winds. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It's a noun phrase frequently used in news reports, scientific articles, and academic discussions to describe and explain this dangerous coastal phenomenon. While its register is typically neutral, it can become more formal in scientific contexts. Common errors include confusing it with general flooding. Related phrases include "coastal inundation" and "tidal surge". Being aware of these related phrases can improve one's writing by providing alternatives and adding precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

storm-related coastal inundation

Combines the storm's involvement and the resulting flooding.

coastal inundation

Focuses on the flooding aspect of the event, rather than the cause.

sea inundation from storm

Highlights sea as the source of the inundation.

tidal surge

Emphasizes the tidal nature of the event, highlighting the rise in water level.

hurricane-related coastal flooding

Highlights hurricane as a possible storm

hurricane-induced flooding

Specifically attributes the flooding to hurricanes, narrowing the cause.

coastal flooding event

Broader term encompassing various causes of coastal flooding.

atypical coastal flood

Highlights coastal event as atypical

abnormal sea level rise

Highlights the deviation from normal sea levels, focusing on the height change.

wind-driven water rise

Emphasizes the role of wind in causing the water level to increase.

FAQs

How does "storm surge" differ from a tsunami?

"Storm surge" is caused by the wind and pressure from a storm pushing water onshore, whereas a tsunami is typically triggered by underwater earthquakes or landslides. They are both dangerous coastal events but have different origins.

What kind of damage can a "storm surge" cause?

A "storm surge" can cause extensive coastal flooding, damage or destroy buildings, erode beaches, and contaminate freshwater sources with saltwater.

What factors influence the height and severity of a "storm surge"?

Several factors contribute to the height and severity of a "storm surge", including the storm's intensity, forward speed, angle of approach to the coastline, the shape of the coastline, and the local bathymetry (depth of the water).

How are "storm surge" predictions generated?

"Storm surge" predictions are generated using sophisticated computer models that take into account various factors, such as the storm's track, intensity, size, and the shape of the coastline. These models help to forecast the potential flooding impacts.