Coastal flooding and storm surges

Coastal flooding can be caused by a storm surge, a seiche, waves or high tides.

• A storm surge is an unusual rise in sea level, usually when strong winds push water into land
  • storm surge is caused by strong storms like hurricanes or tropical storms
  • storm surges can occur along coastal areas and large lakes
• A seiche is a standing wave that moves back and forth
  • seiche is caused by wind, rapid changes in atmospheric pressure, or by earthquakes

Why prepare for coastal flooding and storm surges

Most of Canada's major coastlines and shorelines are exposed to coastal flooding. This includes all three oceans as well as the St. Lawrence Estuary, the Beaufort Sea, the Great Lakes, and other large waterbodies. While seiches can occur in lakes of any size, they are most common among the Great Lakes, in particular Lake Erie.

What to do

Where to start

You can protect members of your household by learning more about coastal flooding and storm surges and by taking proper precautions. Make sure that your household is prepared.

• Prepare your emergency kit. Learn more about what items to put in your kit, including quick and easy steps you can take right away
• Make a household emergency plan. Consider the specific needs of all members of your household, including older adults, children, pets, and anyone with special health needs

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