Triple Jeopardy Flood Event: Rare Marine Hazards Combine
• A rare combination of marine hazards led to extreme sea levels along the U.S. East Coast on January 16–17,
• The event involved a storm surge from an extratropical cyclone, a meteotsunami triggered by mesoscale atmospheric disturbances, and a tsunami caused by the Hunga Tonga volcanic eruption. These processes collectively resulted in hazardous water levels of 1–1.5 m, particularly near Atlantic City, New Jersey. The storm surge was driven by air pressure drops and strong winds, while the meteotsunami was caused by atmospheric gravity waves. The Tonga tsunami waves travelled over 13,000 km, impacting the region through air-sea resonance mechanisms.
Impact & Risks
The triple jeopardy event caused significant flooding along the U.S. East Coast, with areas from Florida to Massachusetts experiencing water levels exceeding 1.1 m. Coastal communities faced heightened risks due to the combined effects of storm surge, meteotsunami, and tsunami waves. The unique bathymetric characteristics of the Atlantic City region amplified the hazards, leading to severe flooding and potential damage to infrastructure. Such compounded events highlight the vulnerability of coastal areas to multiple simultaneous hazards.
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