Climate Change & Flooding

Flooding is the most common type of natural disaster. Climate change is increasing the intensity of storm surges. It has directly affected the rainfall and snowmelt levels across the globe, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Let’s take a look at why climate change can increase flooding potential.

• Heavier precipitation:

  • Has occurred as a result of warmer atmospheres.

  • Storms will also generate 27% water than they did 100 years ago.

• Snowmelt increase:

  • Warmer temperatures increase snow melt

  • Combination of rain and snow melt increase flooding

    • Spring soils are higher in moisture and sometimes still frozen. They are less permeable and lead to increased chance of flooding

• More hurricanes:

  • Stronger storms = gustier winds = more storm surges

  • Storm surges and winds can increase wave damages

• Higher Seas:

  • Our oceans are already 1 foot higher than they were in 1900

  • Creates high tide flooding

In 2017, Hurricane Henry was the wettest storm in history. Hurricanes are expected to get up to an 80 percent increase in the frequency of category 4 and 5 hurricanes over the next 80 years. It is very important to make sure your home is covered with flood insurance if you live on a coastal plain or near the ocean.