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
Flash Flooding Threat Continues in Texas

Flash Flooding Threat Continues in Texas

It has been 10 days since the devastating flo

14 Jul 2025 7:05 PM
Invest 93L Develops Off Florida Coast, CSU Updates Seasonal Forecast

Invest 93L Develops Off Florida Coast, CSU Updates Seasonal Forecast

Invest 93L has developed off the Florida coas

14 Jul 2025 7:00 PM
Strong July Trough Shakes Up Temperatures

Strong July Trough Shakes Up Temperatures

"Enough of this heat, already" - everybodyIn

14 Jul 2025 7:00 PM
Flooding Concern Growing in the Northeast

Flooding Concern Growing in the Northeast

Storms rumbling through the northeast on Sund

14 Jul 2025 6:55 PM
Dangerous Heat Impacting the Western U.S.

Dangerous Heat Impacting the Western U.S.

High pressure is moving off the California co

14 Jul 2025 6:10 PM
Heavy Rain, Flooding Threat Returns to Florida

Heavy Rain, Flooding Threat Returns to Florida

Keep the rain boots handy in Florida - heavy

13 Jul 2025 12:50 PM
Severe Storm Risk Pushes into the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley

Severe Storm Risk Pushes into the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley

Friday was another busy day with severe weath

12 Jul 2025 8:00 PM