The determination of coastal water elevation during a storm event involves a multifaceted process. This process relies on hydrodynamic models that simulate the complex interactions between atmospheric forcing (wind and pressure), bathymetry, coastal geometry, and astronomical tides. The outcome is a prediction of the abnormal rise in sea level during a tropical cyclone or severe storm. For instance, a model might forecast a water level increase of five meters above the normal high tide mark at a specific location due to a hurricane’s impact.
Accurate prediction of elevated water levels is crucial for coastal planning, emergency preparedness, and infrastructure design. By understanding the potential for inundation, communities can implement effective mitigation strategies such as constructing seawalls, elevating structures, and developing evacuation plans. Historically, failures to adequately account for this phenomenon have resulted in catastrophic losses of life and property, highlighting the critical need for reliable forecasting methods.
