Protect Yourself

As global temperatures rise, we will continue to see an increase in storm intensity and frequency (EPA)

As global temperatures rise, we will continue to see an increase in hurricane intensity and frequency, although it will be hard to predicted how much with any degree of certainty. Stronger storms will lead to more rivers bursting their banks and increased coastal flooding from storm surge, a risk that will be further amplified by rising sea levels. Rivers and streams experience flooding as a result of large rainstorms that quickly drain into streams and rivers. The magnitude of flood events is influenced by how much water enters the waterway upstream—and how quickly, while flood frequency largely depends on the frequency of weather events. As warmer temperatures cause more water to evaporate from the land and oceans, changes in the size and frequency of heavy precipitation events may in turn affect the size and frequency of river flooding.

Large flood events can damage homes, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure; wipe out farmers’ crops; and harm or displace people.

EPA

Although regular flooding helps to maintain the nutrient balance of soils in the flood plain, larger or more frequent floods could disrupt ecosystems by displacing aquatic life, impairing water quality, and increasing soil erosion. By inundating water treatment systems with sediment and contaminants, and promoting the growth of harmful microbes, floods can directly affect the water supplies that communities depend on.

According to Global Environmental Change flooding is one of the most costly natural hazards in terms of economic losses. And both flood frequency and consequences are expected to increase in the future as a result of climate change and socioeconomic development. As sea levels rise and urbanization continues its steady march, it is important to investigate how flood risk will change in the future and how cities can effectively and efficiently adapt to dynamic risk challenges.