Top flow overspill forecast into 2024 Proportion This Publish On Social Media:
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Top flow overspill forecast into 2024 Proportion This Publish On Social Media:

Coastal communities along the East and West coasts are facing a concerning trend of increased high tide flooding. This pattern is expected to continue into 2024, with many communities bracing for even more high tide flooding days due to the predicted sustaining of El Nino.

The 2023 Annual High Tide Flooding Outlook report has documented high tide flooding events from May 2022 to April 2023 at 98 NOAA tide gauges along the U.S. coast. It also provides a flooding outlook for these locations through April 2024 and projections out to 2050.

High tide flooding is becoming more common due to rising sea levels, driven in part by climate change. This phenomenon occurs when tides reach 1 to 2 feet above the daily average high tide, depending on the location. As sea levels continue to rise, disruptive flooding events can occur even without extreme weather conditions.

NOAA predicts that from May 2023 to April 2024, the U.S. will experience between 4 to 9 high tide flooding days, a significant increase from previous predictions and historical data. The expected strengthening of El Nino could further exacerbate high tide flooding frequencies along the East and West coasts, particularly affecting communities in the Mid-Atlantic and Gulf coasts.

In the Mid-Atlantic region, a 350% increase in high tide flooding days is projected, with 9 to 15 days expected. Along the western Gulf coast, a similar increase is anticipated, with 7 to 14 days predicted. The Pacific Northwest is forecasted to experience 4 to 11 high tide flooding days, a 150% increase compared to 2000, while the Pacific Southwest may see one to five days, nearly double the occurrences since 2000.

By 2050, it is estimated that the U.S. will face an average of 45 to 85 high tide flooding days per year. These long-term projections are based on expected sea level rise of about a foot across the country by 2050. Specific data for each NOAA tide gauge location can be found on the Annual High Tide Flooding Outlook website.

In conclusion, coastal communities need to prepare for an increase in high tide flooding events in the coming years. The combination of rising sea levels and the potential impact of El Nino could lead to more frequent and severe flooding along the East and West coasts. It is essential for these communities to take proactive measures to mitigate the effects of high tide flooding and protect their residents and infrastructure.