What Is a Storm Surge? Why You Must Avoid the Seaside During Typhoons
TyphoonSays·防御问答 · Security Rescue · 更新 at 2026-10-18
Demystifying Storm Surges: More Than Just "Rising Water," It's a Physical Impact
The public often mistakenly believes that typhoon disasters stem solely from strong winds and heavy rain. In reality, storm surges are the "invisible killers" with an extremely high disaster rate in coastal areas. A storm surge is not simply a rise in tides; it is an abnormal increase in sea level caused by intense atmospheric disturbances (such as typhoons or extratropical cyclones). Its formation mechanism mainly involves two aspects: first, the extremely low pressure at the typhoon's center causes the sea surface to bulge upward as if being "sucked" up; second, strong onshore winds continuously push seawater toward the shore, causing it to pile up.
If this coincides with an astronomical high tide, the resulting "storm surge setup" can reach several meters in height. This seawater intrusion not only instantly inundates low-lying areas but also carries immense kinetic energy, easily destroying seawalls and flooding inland regions. Therefore, the harm caused by storm surges far exceeds that of ordinary waves, making them one of the core factors causing significant property damage and casualties in coastal areas.
Fatal Temptation: Why Watching Waves at the Seaside During Typhoons Is Strictly Prohibited
Going to the seaside to "watch waves" during a typhoon is by no means a romantic experience; it is a suicidal act with extremely high risks. Beyond the obvious threats of wind and rain, the following three hidden risks are often overlooked:
- Unpredictable "Rogue Waves"Swells generated by the outer circulation of a typhoon carry enormous energy and follow no regular pattern. Even when the sea surface appears calm, massive waves higher and more violent than expected may suddenly strike. These sudden giant waves have extremely strong impact force, capable of instantly sweeping people into the deep sea, with an extremely low chance of survival.
- Structural Failure of Infrastructure: Prolonged erosion from wind and rain, along with seawater soaking, can loosen the foundations of seaside walkways, viewing platforms, breakwaters, and reefs. Under strong winds, these facilities are highly prone to collapse or fracture, leading to falls or burial.
- Extremely Short Escape Window: Typhoon weather is highly volatile. Wind speeds can escalate from breezes to destructive levels within a short time. Combined with reduced visibility due to heavy rain and slippery roads, escape routes from the seaside to safe zones may be cut off rapidly once danger arises, trapping people in a desperate situation.
Scientific Defense: From Warning to Action
When facing typhoon threats, the core of scientific response lies in "early identification and quick action." Tropical cyclones in China are classified into six grades, ranging from tropical depression to super typhoon, with different defense priorities for each grade. When meteorological departments issue Yellow, Orange, or Red Typhoon Warning Signals, it usually indicates significantly enhanced wind forces and potentially severe storm surges.
At this time, local governments may activate emergency responses, implementing measures such as school suspensions, work stoppages, and transport halts (specific implementation standards depend on local government announcements). The public should strictly adhere to the following defensive actions:
- Stay Absolutely Away from Danger Zones: During the typhoon's impact and the initial period afterward, it is strictly prohibited to go to the seaside, river mouths, low-lying flood-prone areas, or geological hazard sites. Do not approach the coastline out of curiosity.
- Home Reinforcement and Stockpiling: Check the sturdiness of windows and doors, and clear potential falling hazards such as flower pots from balconies. Stockpile at least three days' worth of drinking water, ready-to-eat food, and emergency medications in advance.
- Verify Information: Closely monitor official forecasts regarding typhoon tracks, intensity, and wind/rain conditions released by meteorological departments. Do not believe or spread rumors.
The key to disaster prevention lies in overcoming luck-based thinking and prioritizing "avoidance." Real-time typhoon tracks can be queried at TyphoonSays (taifengshuo.com)
This article is original educational content from TyphoonSays. Please refer to the latest official announcements from local governments for policy standards.