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Title

Storm Tides

Unique identifier / Notation
MH0704
Synonyms
Not identified
Definition

A storm tide is the actual sea level as influenced by a weather disturbance. The storm tide consists of the normal astronomical tide plus the storm surge (WMO, 2017). 

Primary reference(s)

WMO, 2017. Regional Association IV – Hurricane Operational Plan for North America, Central America and the Caribbean, WMO-No. 1163. World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Accessed 26 November 2019.

Annotations

Additional scientific description

A storm tide is the water level that results from the combination of the normal (astronomical) tide and a storm surge (an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, over and above the predicted astronomical tide) (NOAA, 2019a).

A 3-metre storm surge on top of a normal high tide that is 2 metres above mean sea level will produce a storm tide that is 5 metres above mean sea level (NOAA, 2019a).

Storm surge should not be confused with storm tide (NOAA, 2019a).

This rise in water level associated with a storm tide can cause extreme flooding in coastal areas particularly when a storm surge coincides with a normal high tide, resulting in storm tides of up to 20 feet or more in some cases (NOAA, 2019a).
The components responsible for a storm tide are illustrated in the graphic below (NOAA, 2019b).

An illustration showing the difference in storm surges and storm tides
Storm surge vs. storm tide (NOAA, 2019.)

Metrics and numeric limits

Not available.

Key relevant UN convention / multilateral treaty

Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.

Drivers

Storm tides are associated with storms and cyclones.

Impacts

The worst impacts associated with storm tides occur when a storm surge arrives on top of a high tide. Under this scenario, the storm tide can reach inland areas that might otherwise have been unaffected. Added to this are pounding waves generated by the powerful winds. The area of sea water flooding may extend along the coast for 100 km or more, with water pushing several km inland if the land is low lying. The combined effects of the storm tide and waves can destroy buildings, wash away roads and run ships aground (Australian Government, 2020).

The example below illustrates water level differences for storm surge, storm tide, and a normal (predicted) high tide in relation to mean sea level. Storm tide is the total observed seawater level during a storm, which is the combination of storm surge (the rise in seawater level caused solely by a storm) and normal high tide (NOAA, 2019b).

An illustration showing the difference of storm surges to normal sea level conditions
Matt McIntosh/NOAA
Source: Matt McIntosh/NOAA

Multi-hazard context

The figure below summarises common interactions between storm tides and other hazards. This information should be used with caution and not be solely relied upon in Disaster Risk Management, particularly as some interactions may not have been included. Note that hazardous events occurring together or locally in space or time may not necessarily cause, amplify, or be otherwise related to each other. Specific examples of multi-hazard context can be found in the ‘Hazard drivers’ and ‘Impacts’ sections above.

Multi-hazard diagram

Hazard diagram for storm tides

Risk Management

No Information Available.

Monitoring

The section above and the table below offer an overview of monitoring storm tides. This information can be used for forecasting within a national early warning system (EWS). Since EWS capacities and processes differ across countries, the most current and specific information regarding EWS should be obtained from the appropriate national or regional agency/authority responsible for disaster management.

Which institution(s) produce(s) Disaster Risk Data/Information?
  • National, subnational, and local disaster management agencies responsible for monitoring storm tide risks, issuing warnings, and coordinating emergency response efforts.
  • Meteorological service tracking tropical cyclones, atmospheric pressure changes, and wind speeds that contribute to storm tide formation.
  • Hydrological service monitoring tide levels, river outflows, and coastal water movement to assess the combined effects of tides and storm surges.
  • Oceanographic and marine research institutions studying sea-level rise, wave dynamics, and ocean currents that impact storm tide behaviours.
  • Geophysical and geological research institutions analysing coastal topography, sediment transport, and land subsidence that affect storm tide impact areas.
  • Space and remote sensing agencies using satellites, radar altimetry, and buoy networks to track tide variations and storm surge interactions.
  • Maritime and naval safety authorities monitoring sea conditions and issuing advisories for shipping, ports, and offshore industries.
  • Energy and utility companies assessing risks to coastal power plants, refineries, and offshore infrastructure from storm tide flooding.
  • Land use and urban planners integrating storm tide risk assessments into coastal zoning laws, urban development, and disaster mitigation strategies.
  • Health authorities evaluating public health risks, including waterborne diseases, infrastructure failures, and emergency medical response needs due to storm tide flooding.
  • Researchers and academics, including hydrodynamic and climate scientists, studying storm tide forecasting, climate change impacts, and coastal flood resilience.
  • Environmental organizations and conservation groups advocating for nature-based storm tide mitigation, wetland conservation, and sustainable coastal management.
  • Coastal communities and local governments engaged in flood preparedness, early warning dissemination, and resilience-building efforts against storm tides.
How is the Hazard Observed/Monitored/Forecast?Storm tides are monitored using tide gauges, satellite imagery, and ocean buoys to track rising water levels caused by the combined effects of storm surges and high tides. Meteorologists analyse wind speeds, atmospheric pressure, and storm intensity to predict how tides will amplify coastal flooding. Computer models simulate water movement, helping forecasters issue early warnings. These alerts help protect coastal communities, infrastructure, and emergency responders from severe flooding and storm damage.

References

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Type
Meteorological and Hydrological
Cluster
Marine-related
Coordinating agency or organisation
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)