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.
