The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s report, Sea Level Rise and Nuisance Flood Frequency Changes around the United States, identifies the top 10 U.S. cities with the highest increase in nuisance flooding between 1957-1963 and 2007-2013.

According to William Sweet, lead author of the report, “as relative sea level increases [in a city], it no longer takes a strong storm or a hurricane to cause flooding.” Which means that if your city is high on the list, road closures, maxed-out storm drains, and the inevitable damage that accompanies a flood will be coming your way (especially if you live on the East Coast).

Scientists examined data from 45 NOAA water level gauges around the country and compared that to long-term reports of number of days of nuisance floods to identify which metros are most at risk. 

Top 10 U.S. Areas for Nuisance Flooding*

*Averaging more than one flood on average 1957-1963, and for nuisance levels higher than 0.25 meters. “Nuisance level” correlates to the meters above the mean higher high water mark in each location.

1. Annapolis, Md.
Nuisance level: 0.29
Average nuisance flood days (1957 – 1963): 3.8 days
Average nuisance flood days ( 2007 – 2013): 39.3 days

2. Baltimore, Md.
Nuisance level: 0.41
Average nuisance flood days (1957 – 1963): 1.3 days
Average nuisance flood days ( 2007 – 2013): 13.1 days

3. Atlantic City, N.J.
Nuisance level: 0.43
Average nuisance flood days (1957 – 1963): 3.1 days
Average nuisance flood days ( 2007 – 2013): 24.6 days

4. Philadelphia, Pa.
Nuisance level: 0.49
Average nuisance flood days (1957 – 1963): 1.6 days
Average nuisance flood days ( 2007 – 2013): 12.0 days

5. Sandy Hook, N.J.
Nuisance level: 0.45
Average nuisance flood days (1957 – 1963): 3.3 days
Average nuisance flood days ( 2007 – 2013): 23.9 days

6. Port Isabel, Texas
Nuisance level: 0.34
Average nuisance flood days (1957 – 1963): 2.1 days
Average nuisance flood days ( 2007 – 2013): 13.9 days

7. Charleston, S.C.
Nuisance level: 0.38
Average nuisance flood days (1957 – 1963): 4.6 days
Average nuisance flood days ( 2007 – 2013): 23.3 days

8. Washington, D.C.
Nuisance level: 0.31
Average nuisance flood days (1957 – 1963): 6.3 days
Average nuisance flood days ( 2007 – 2013): 29.7 days

9. San Francisco, Calif.
Nuisance level: 0.35
Average nuisance flood days (1957 – 1963): 2.0 days
Average nuisance flood days ( 2007 – 2013): 9.3 days

10. Norfolk, Va.
Nuisance level: 0.53
Average nuisance flood days (1957 – 1963): 1.7 days
Average nuisance flood days ( 2007 – 2013): 7.3 days

 

 

 

 

 

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