Storm surge is an abnormal rise in water level, over and above the regular astronomical tide, caused by forces generated by a severe storm’s wind, waves, and low atmospheric pressure.
This product merges numerical computations of storm surge resulting from all hurricane intensities and various statistically probable tracks to estimate the Maximum of Maximums (MOMs) storm surge elevations for each hurricane category (1-5) in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Developed for planning purposes, this visualization tool supports the PR Emergency Management Agency (PREMA), the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA), and regional mitigation efforts. It was created by Physical Oceanographers Prof. Aurelio Mercado and Dr. Jose L. Benitez Menendez.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Choose the Geographical Region by clicking on the buttons labeled PR, St Croix, St John, or St Thomas.
- Choose the Hurricane Intensity by clicking on the buttons labeled 1 through 5.
- For each Hurricane Intensity value, a Red Marker denotes the location of to the Maximum of Maximums (MOMs) of the storm surge elevation for the selected Geographical Region.
