Final answer:
A storm surge refers to the a. increase in water levels as high winds from a hurricane literally 'pile up' water against the shore. It can cause significant flooding and damage to coastal communities.
Step-by-step explanation:
A storm surge refers to the a. increase in water levels as high winds from a hurricane literally 'pile up' water against the shore. It occurs when strong winds blow onshore during a storm or hurricane, causing a sudden rise in sea level in coastal areas.
This can result in significant flooding and damage to coastal communities. Storm surges can be particularly dangerous when they occur in combination with high tides and heavy waves.