Water that is pushed ashore by a storm's winds. This advancing surge combines with the normal tides to create the hurricane storm tide, which can increase the average water level 15 feet or more.

United States Geological Survey. A scientific government agency that studies the United States' landscape, natural resources, and natural hazards.

National Weather Service. A branch of NOAA which provides weather forecasts and warnings. NWS has three offices in North Carolina: Newport, Raleigh, and Wilmington.

A non-tropical coastal storm generally forming between October and May. Unlike hurricanes, nor'easters have a cold core and are much larger in size. The winds of a nor'easter are not center [..]

National Oceanic and Atmosphereic Administration. A scientific agency charged with monitoring and protecting the Earth's oceans and atmosphere.

An explosed opening in a beach or island where water from the ocean meets water from an inland estuary (see photo). Inlets have strong currents and shifting sandbars beneath the water's surface. [..]

An announcement that means hurricane conditions are possible

A warning that means hurricane conditions (strong wind and waves) are expected

A seasonal tropical cyclone that occurs in the North Atlantic Ocean. Weaker storms are called tropical depressions

The level at which a rising river or creek will begin to flood nearby buildings or streets. The amount of flooding is measured by how far the river has risen above its flood stage.