This section includes a general explanation of how tropical and extra-tropical cyclones, such as hurricanes, nor’easters and gales or “Freshwater Furies” on the Great Lakes are reflected in coastal flood studies.

Storm Surge Analyses are used when historical data indicate that storm surges should be incorporated into the Stillwater Elevation (SWEL) for a coastal area.

The “forcing functions” of these large storms (wind speed, central pressure depression, radius to maximum winds, forward speed, and direction of approach to the shoreline) are discussed.

The type and specific name or version of the computer program used to establish the storm surge Stillwater Elevation (SWEL) as well as the sources of data used in the storm surge program that generated the model are included.

Finally, an explanation of the storm surge model and identification of the storm(s) that were used to calibrate the model are included. Storm surge analyses and parameters may include:

• Storm intensity (central pressure depression)
• Radius from storm center to maximum winds
• Forward speed of storm
• Direction of storm path approaching shoreline
• Frequency of the storm occurrence
• Astronomic tide effects
• Joint probability analysis
• Determination of Stillwater Elevation (SWEL)