Storm surges occur because...?

Question

a. low air pressure associated with the hurricane allows the ocean surface to rise

b. hurricane-force winds "pile" up water near coasts as the storm moves onshore

c. people surge inlands as they evacuate vulnerable coastal areas

d. heavy rain from the hurricane dramatically raises the ocean level

Answer 1

b. hurricane-force winds "pile" up water near coasts as the storm moves onshore

Friction between the high velocity winds and the ocean water pushes it towards the land mass. The resultant larger than normal volume of water occupying the same area offshore results in an increase of the water depth = higher ocean level height.