Sandy 2012: The Perfect Surge

The record-breaking storm surge experienced during Sandy resulted from the rare combination of atmospheric, geomorphic, and tidal factors. The seamless evolution of Sandy from a hurricane to an extratropical cyclone enabled the system to maintain hurricane intensity while expanding to the size of a nor'easter producing significant surge and waves up and down the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. These and other storm characteristics conducive to widespread coastal inundation will be examined using spatial and statistical software.  Additionally, we will compare the surge characteristics of Sandy to other high magnitude events. This work will provide information that will assist in storm surge prediction and preparation practices.