how far inland can a storm surge go

A storm surge is a rise in sea level due to a storm, and its inland extent depends on several factors, including:

1. Storm intensity: The stronger the storm, the higher the surge and the farther inland it can penetrate.
2. Coastal geometry: The shape and slope of the coastline, as well as the presence of bays, estuaries, and inlets, can affect the surge’s inland extent.
3. Elevation and topography: The height and slope of the land can slow down or block the surge’s advance.
4. Water depth and bathymetry: The depth and shape of the seafloor near the coast can influence the surge’s behavior.
5. Tides and river flows: The timing and magnitude of tides and river flows can interact with the surge and affect its inland extent.

That being said, here are some general guidelines on how far inland a storm surge can go:

• Low-lying coastal areas: Storm surges can inundate low-lying coastal areas, including beaches, dunes, and coastal wetlands, up to several kilometers inland.
• River deltas and estuaries: Storm surges can travel far inland along rivers and estuaries, sometimes reaching distances of 10-20 kilometers (6-12 miles) or more from the coast.
• Coastal cities and towns: Storm surges can flood coastal cities and towns, with water levels rising several meters (feet) above normal tide levels. In extreme cases, the surge can penetrate several kilometers inland, depending on the city’s elevation and drainage system.
• Inland waterways: Storm surges can also travel along inland waterways, such as canals, rivers, and lakes, and cause flooding far from the coast.

Some notable examples of storm surges and their inland extent include:

• Hurricane Katrina (2005): The storm surge flooded coastal areas of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, with waters rising up to 10 kilometers (6 miles) inland in some areas.
• Typhoon Haiyan (2013): The storm surge inundated coastal areas of the Philippines, with waters rising up to 5 kilometers (3 miles) inland in some areas.
• Hurricane Irma (2017): The storm surge flooded coastal areas of Florida, with waters rising up to 3 kilometers (2 miles) inland in some areas.

Keep in mind that these are extreme examples, and the inland extent of a storm surge can vary greatly depending on the specific storm and coastal conditions.