New NOAA Report Looks at National Coastal Flood Vulnerability

news image
Special Stories
20 Mar 2018 8:33 AM
From NOAA NOAA scientists have demonstrated a new method to assess flood vulnerability in the United States on a national to regional level. The report, spearheaded by sea level experts from NOAA’s Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services, looked at existing flood thresholds established by the National Weather Service and found patterns in the thresholds based upon tide range. They were then able to apply that pattern nationwide and find a statistical and consistent way to measure and monitor minor high tide flooding, as well as moderate and major flooding in locations where no threshold exists. [Annual number of high tide floods (days per year) at NOAA tide gauge locations. A year is defined in terms of a meteorological year (May–April). Note: White squares indicate no data or that hourly data was less than 80% complete within a year.] The report finds that, on average, U.S. coastal infrastructure is vulnerable to minor, moderate, and major flooding at heights of about 1.6, 2.6, and 3.9 feet above the average daily highest tide (Mean Higher High Water). Trends in annual high tide flood frequencies are increasing or accelerating at two-thirds of the roughly 100 locations examined. This science gives communities more information about their risk as they prepare for coastal flooding. With continued increases in regional sea level rise projected to occur, high tide flooding will become chronic in the next several decades. Edited for WeatherNation by Meteorologist Mace Michaels
All Weather News
More
Atmospheric River Ends in California

Atmospheric River Ends in California

An intense mid-latitude cyclone has been targ

23 Nov 2024 11:30 PM
Heavy Snow Knocks Out Power in the Northeast, Blizzard Warning Issued

Heavy Snow Knocks Out Power in the Northeast, Blizzard Warning Issued

Over 20 inches of snowfall has accumulated ac

23 Nov 2024 11:15 PM
Record Travel Numbers Expected This Thanksgiving

Record Travel Numbers Expected This Thanksgiving

It is that time of year again—when millions o

23 Nov 2024 11:00 PM
Unsettled Pattern Continues Across the Northwest

Unsettled Pattern Continues Across the Northwest

Winds in the Pacific Northwest have been howl

23 Nov 2024 12:00 PM
Soaking Rain then Snow for the Northern Plains

Soaking Rain then Snow for the Northern Plains

WHAT TO EXPECTAn area of low pressure that br

21 Nov 2024 1:30 AM
Heavy Rain Threat Slides East

Heavy Rain Threat Slides East

What's leftover of the moisture from (what wa

19 Nov 2024 8:25 PM
Rain and Snow Chances Increasing for California

Rain and Snow Chances Increasing for California

A digging trough from the northwest will work

15 Nov 2024 12:00 PM