Unraveling the phenomena: Storm surge, flood, and tide

Storm surge, storm flood, and storm tide are natural phenomena that involve extreme water level rises during storms. 
Storm surge occurs when strong winds push seawater onshore, while storm tide is the combined effect of the surge and the astronomical tide, amplifying sea level rise during peak tidal periods. 
Storm flood results from the inundation of coastal areas due to storm surge and heavy rainfall, causing widespread damage to infrastructure and ecosystems.

Storm surge
Storm surge is the abnormal rise in seawater level above the predicted astronomical tide, primarily caused by strong winds pushing water onshore during storms or hurricanes. The wind circulating around the eye of the storm or hurricane is generating a vertical circulation in the ocean as it blows across the water surface. In deep water, this circulation remains undisturbed, resulting in minimal signs of a storm surge. But as soon as the storm or hurricane reaches the shallower coastal areas, the ocean’s vertical circulation is disrupted by the seabed. Since the water can no longer move downward, it is forced to rise and push inland.
Although different phenomena, a storm surge development is not too unlike the propagation of tsunamis which have low amplitudes in deep water but grows as they approach shallower coastal areas. You can read more about tsunamis in this article. 

Factors that govern the height of the storm surge are for example pressure of the storm (lower pressure higher surge), storm intensity, propagation speed of the storm and shape of the coastline, where for example a concave coastline will entail a larger surge as opposed to a convex coastline. The highest storm surge on record occurred during Cyclone Mahina in 1899 over northeastern Australia. It is said that the height of the surge exceeded 12m!

Storm flood
A storm flood occurs when the storm surge leads to the inundation of coastal areas, often compounded by heavy rainfall and river flooding. It causes widespread damage to infrastructure and ecosystems.

Storm tide
This phenomenon is the total rise in sea level and the combined effect of the storm surge and the astronomical tide. When the storm surge occurs during a period when the astronomical tides are already peaking, i.e. when the sun and moon are aligned, the storm surge will merge with the high astronomical tide, leading to an even greater rise in sea level. This can result in more severe coastal flooding than if the storm surge occurred at lower tide.

Effects of storm surge, flooding, and tides on offshore and coastal operations
Storm surge, storm flood, and storm tide can significantly disrupt for example offshore wind farms, vessels, and coastal operations. These events can lead to elevated sea levels, increased water movement, and flooding, which can damage infrastructure, make navigation more dangerous, and delay operations. 
Offshore wind farms may experience structural stress, while vessels may face difficulties with docking, anchoring, and safe travel. Coastal operations like ports and harbours can be impacted by flooding, leading to operational disruptions. Overall, these phenomena increase risks and operational challenges for offshore and coastal activities.

Conclusion
Understanding storm surge, storm flood, and storm tide is crucial for reducing risks to offshore and coastal operations. These phenomena can disrupt infrastructure, navigation, and daily activities. Accurate weather forecasts are essential for predicting their timing and intensity. Early warnings help offshore industries and shipping take protective measures, ensuring safety and minimizing disruptions. As storms become more intense due to climate change, precise forecasting will be even more critical for safeguarding offshore and coastal operations.