STORM SURGE is the fast uprising of sea level that happens when a hurricane approaches the coast. Two factors that cause storm surge are:
• Strong winds that push the water toward the coast and
• Suction created by the storm's low pressure.
Galveston Island on the Texas coast has suffered much damage due to hurricane-caused storm surges. A large sea wall has been built to help reduce the damage caused by the surges. The frequent occurrence of storm surges has also played a part in the destruction of Highway 87 along the Texas coast, which was used by many local beach-goers.