Sea level rise resulting from global warming will dramatically increase the risk of storm surge flooding in Washington, D.C. and along much of the U.S. coast, according to a new report from Climate Central, a non-profit science research and communication group. Its report, “Surging Seas” describes the risk of exceeding established flood levels by 2030, when taking projected sea level rise into account.
Here are some key findings from the report, specific to the mid-Atlantic region:
* Along the shores of Maryland, sea level rise (from global warming) multiplies the risk of a 100-year flood (or worse) by 2030 1.8 times, from 12 percent to 22 percent.
* Along the shores of Virginia, sea level rise multiplies the risk of a 100-year flood by 2030 by more than a factor of three, from 9 percent to 29 percent.
* Along the shores of Delaware, sea level rise multiplies the risk of a 100-year flood by 2030 by more than a factor of three, from 6 percent to 33 percent.
* Along the shores of the tidal Potomac in Washington, D.C., sea level rise increases the risk of a 100-year flood by 2030 from 16% to 19%.
Detailed projections for specific water level stations are provided in the report.
The report also estimates the land, housing, and population vulnerable to storm surge flooding in low-lying areas in all of these areas.
TVNL Comment: Full SURGING SEAS report here.
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