Storm surge is an offshore rise of water associated with a low pressure weather system, typically a tropical cyclone. Storm surge is caused primarily by high winds pushing on the ocean's surface. The wind causes the water to pile up higher than the ordinary sea level. Low pressure at the center of a weather system also has a small secondary effect, as can the bathymetry of the body of water. It is this combined effect of low pressure and persistent wind over a shallow water body which is the most common cause of storm surge flooding problems. The term "storm surge" in casual (non-scientific) use is storm tide; that is, it refers to the rise of water associated with the storm, plus tide, wave run-up, and freshwater flooding. When referencing storm surge height, it is important to clarify the usage, as well as the reference point. National Hurricane Center tropical cyclone reports reference storm surge as water height above predicted astronomical tide level, and storm tide as water height above NGVD-29. Most casualties during a tropical cyclone occur during the storm surge. (From wikipedia)
During the 1938 Hurricane, the tide was higher than usual because of the Autumnal Equinox and full moon. The hurricane produced storm tides of 14 to 18 feet across most of the Long Island and Connecticut coast, with 18- to 25-foot tides from New London east to Cape Cod.
The storm surge was especially violent along the Rhode Island shore, sweeping hundreds of summer cottages out to sea. As the surge drove northward through Narragansett Bay, it was restricted by the Bay's funnel shape and rose to nearly 16 feet above normal spring tides, resulting in more than 13 feet of water in some areas of downtown Providence.
At this location, The New England Hurricane of 1938 caused a storm surge of almost 15 feet.
You might want to bring a tape measure.
On the side of the Hearth House (736 Hope Street), There is a marker showing the height of the Storm surge from the 1938 Hurricane.
1. Please Email me the height of the marker above the sidewalk, to the nearest inch.
2. Also Email me the width of the marker.
3. Post in your log how high the water level would be on you.
DO NOT POST THE NUMBERS ON THE PAGE!!!!!!!!!!
