Netherlands Flood Control
A storm surge is caused by high winds pushing against the coast. Barometric pressure can affect the level of the sea. A storm, which is an area of low pressure, will cause the sea to rise. The tidal conditions have an effect on sea level. Twice a month, a spring tide occurs and this increases the high tide and lessens the low tide.
All of these conditions were in place on January 31st to February 1st, 1953 when the North Sea flooded.
Causes of the 1953 North Sea Flood
A storm formed south of Iceland on January 30th, 1953 and it was not a cause for concern at the time because the barometric pressure was not unusually low. Hurricane-force winds blowing from the northwest pushed the storm over the North Sea.