---
title: "What Is Storm surge? Building Glossary | Halo Homes"
description: "Storm surge is the rise of seawater above normal tides that a hurricane or tropical storm pushes onto land."
url: https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/storm-surge
publisher: Halo Homes
phone: +1-813-956-1972
quote: https://build813.multisites.ai/contact
---

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# Storm surge

Storm surge is the rise of seawater above normal tides that a hurricane or tropical storm pushes onto land.

The National Hurricane Center says strong onshore winds cause storm surge. Near the coast the ocean bottom forces the water upward and inland. Surge can also travel up rivers and canals, well beyond the shoreline.

Surge is a different risk from rain, and it follows different maps. The City of Tampa says your evacuation zone and your flood zone are not the same. Surge and waves drive the added hazard in [VE zones](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/fema-flood-zone-ve), and surge also shapes how a coastal lot is assessed against the [base flood elevation](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/base-flood-elevation). See [hurricane-resistant construction](https://build813.multisites.ai/hurricane-resistant-construction-tampa).

[Halo Homes can helpCustom home construction](https://build813.multisites.ai/services/custom-home-construction)

## Related terms

-   [FEMA flood zone VE](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/fema-flood-zone-ve)
-   [Base flood elevation](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/base-flood-elevation)
-   [Seawall](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/seawall)
-   [Flood vents](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/flood-vents)

## Sources

1.  [NOAA National Hurricane Center: Storm Surge Overview](https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/surge/)
2.  [City of Tampa: Flood Information](https://www.tampa.gov/tss-stormwater/info/flood)

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## Start your home.

Tell Halo about your lot, your plans and your timing. A call or a short note is enough to begin.

[Start your home](https://build813.multisites.ai/contact)

Or call [(813) 956-1972](tel:+1-813-956-1972)