What Is a Storm Surge? Why You Should Never Go to the Seaside to Watch Waves During a Typhoon
TyphoonSays·防御问答 · Security Rescue · 更新 at 2026-07-20
Storm Surge: The Overlooked "Invisible Killer"
Many people assume that the primary hazards of a typhoon are strong winds and heavy rain. In reality, storm surges are often one of the most severe causes of casualties and property damage in coastal areas. Simply put, a storm surge is an abnormal rise in sea level caused by intense atmospheric disturbances, such as typhoons or extratropical cyclones.
You can imagine it as the typhoon acting like a giant hand, forcibly pushing seawater toward the shore. When the low-pressure center of a typhoon passes, the sea surface naturally bulges upward due to the drop in atmospheric pressure. Meanwhile, strong onshore winds continuously pile up seawater near the coastline. If this coincides with an astronomical high tide, the water levels叠加, creating a highly destructive "storm surge increment." This rise in water level can reach several meters, instantly inundating low-lying areas and destroying seawalls, with power far exceeding that of ordinary waves.
Why Is It Strictly Prohibited to Watch Waves at the Seaside During a Typhoon?
Going to the seaside to watch waves during a typhoon is not romantic; it is gambling with your life. The main risks come from the following three aspects:
- Unpredictable "Rogue Waves": The swells generated by the outer circulation or the core of a typhoon carry immense energy and are highly irregular. Beneath a seemingly calm surface, massive waves may strike suddenly. These waves are often higher and more violent than expected, easily sweeping people into the sea.
- Risk of Foundation Loosening and Collapse: Prolonged wind and rain erosion can loosen the foundations of seaside walkways, embankments, and rocks. Standing on seaside viewing platforms or reefs makes you highly susceptible to slipping, falling, or even experiencing platform collapse.
- Difficulty in Evacuation: Weather conditions during a typhoon change rapidly. Wind speeds can escalate from a breeze to destructive gales in a short time. Once wind and rain intensify, visibility drops and roads become slippery, making it nearly impossible to quickly evacuate from the seaside to a safe area.
Scientific Defense and Warning Response
In the face of typhoon threats, the public should closely monitor warning signals issued by meteorological authorities. According to the national standard for tropical cyclone grades by the CMA (China Meteorological Administration), typhoons are classified into six categories: tropical depression, tropical storm, severe tropical storm, typhoon, severe typhoon, and super typhoon. Different levels correspond to different defensive measures.
When meteorological departments issue yellow, orange, or red typhoon warning signals, it usually means that wind speeds will reach significant levels, potentially accompanied by storm surges. At this time, local governments will activate emergency responses based on actual conditions, including measures such as school suspensions, work stoppages, and transport halts. Please note that standards may vary by location; refer to announcements from your local government.
For the safety of yourself and your family, please ensure you:
- Stay Away from Dangerous Areas: During and for some time after a typhoon, strictly avoid going to the seaside, river estuaries, and low-lying areas prone to flooding.
- Follow Official Information: Do not trust online rumors. Obtain information on typhoon tracks and intensity through official channels.
- Prepare Home Defenses: Check that windows and doors are secure, clear clutter from balconies, and stock up on necessary food and drinking water.
The key to disaster prevention lies in "early action" and "avoidance." Do not take chances. Real-time typhoon tracks can be queried at TyphoonSays (taifengshuo.com)
This article is typhoonsay's original copy content, and the local policy standards are based on the local government's latest release.