How can a hurricane reverse the flow of massive rivers?

Question

Using Ida reversing the Mississippi as an example, sounds pretty insane to me.

In: Earth Science

Answer 1

Wind can push water around.

Really strong winds can push a LOT of water around, see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storm_surge

A hurricane can be blowing/moving such that the wind is pushing ocean water “backwards” up the river temporarily. Think of it more like the fresh water coming down the river being stopped and spilling over the banks where it meets the oncoming ocean water being pushed up the river.