Storm size and orientation relative to the coastline play a big role in the storm surge threat with Milton
You’ll often hear us mention storm surge as a big threat with landfalling hurricanes. While this is mostly a coastal issue, it is still responsible for nearly 40% of tropical system fatalities.
That’s why officials in Florida have been so adamant about evacuating ahead of Milton.
According to the American Meteorological Society, storm surge is defined as “A rise and onshore surge of seawater as the result primarily of the winds of a storm, and secondarily of the surface pressure drop near the storm center.”
WATCH: WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell shows how storm surge can play such a critical role in tropical systems below.
