Determining and distinguishing sea storms and coastal flood wave overtopping in San Andres, NE of Tenerife (1984-2014)

The purpose of this study is to determine and distinguish sea storms and coastal flood wave overtopping events in San Andres (NE, Tenerife) between 1984 and 2014. Therefore, a detailed statistical analysis of wave, direction and wind speed is carried out using numerical model data on the propagation of waves and wind (SIMAR, Puertos del Estado). 56 sea storms are identified by establishing a risk threshold of 2.6 meters as being a significant wave height (Hs). In turn, a detailed examination of two significant storms is conducted to study the behaviour of the waves and the atmospheric conditions that cause them. While 57.1% of sea storms occur in winter, two coastal floods that happened in summer are analysed in relation to the role of the astronomical spring tide. Finally, the press is used to verify the social and economic impact of the phenomena under analysis, the damage they cause, and to identify the floods that do not record numerical models.