What is a storm surge and how serious is the threat from Milton?

Image source, ReutersElizabeth RizziniLead Weather PresenterPublished8 October 2024Hurricane Milton is likely to bring another huge storm surge to coastal areas of Florida that are still recovering from the 15ft (4.6m) wall of water piled up by Hurricane Helene at the end of September. Helene made landfall in the Big Bend of Florida and was the most powerful storm on record to hit the area. Helene - the deadliest US storm since Katrina in 2005 - killed at least 225 people and caused billions of dollars worth of damage. The US National Hurricane Center is warning that Hurricane Milton could bring a storm surge of 8-12ft (2.4-3.7m) further south around the Tampa Bay coastline. Milton is rapidly intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico. Storm surge warnings are also in place across the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. Follow LIVE as Hurricane Milton barrels towards FloridaWhy does a storm surge happen?Image source, ReutersA storm surge is an abnormal rise in sea level caused by a storm. Tropical cy...