After Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall in South Carolina over the Fourth of July weekend bringing flash flooding to central North Carolina, the tropics are now quiet. Well, sort of.

Hurricane season can be stressful for millions of Americans living in coastal areas, as powerful winds and heavy rain can cause widespread damage, cut power for days or weeks and otherwise upend people's lives.

A storm surge is when storm-driven winds push water toward the coastline. As the tide rises, the water overflows onto coastal lands, causing flooding. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Most hurricanes occur between August and October, with September being the busiest month.