Many factors contribute to the storm surge intensity at a particular location. High tide, the slope of the land, and bathymetry (topography of the ocean floor) all play a role, but the wind primarily causes storm surges. The wind direction has a significant impact on storm surge. The water is pushed in the direction the winds are blowing, so if strong winds blow towards the coast, this will help force water towards the shore. This piling up contributes to most of the coastal flooding.
Below are some of the observed water level data from tidal gauges along the coastline along the Gulf of Mexico before and following Hurricane Ida’s landfall:
Station:
Water Level (in feet)