Our coasts are vulnerable to flooding as a result of coastal surges, which happen when large amounts of water from the ocean rushes onto land, with potential damages to coastal communities and infrastructure. New York City’s low-lying areas are currently exposed to coastal surge flooding by tropical storms, such as Hurricane Sandy, and cold season nor’easters. During a storm, winds can push water towards the coast, causing storm surges. Coastal surge flooding is also exacerbated by sea level rise, which is associated with climate change. Since 1900, sea level in New York City has risen by about 12 inches and is projected to continue to increase as much as 5.4 feet by 2100, leading to increased frequency and intensity of coastal flooding.
气候变化和海平面上升可能会助长更强大、更具破坏性的沿海风暴。到 2050 年代，一场类似桑迪的风暴可能造成 $900 亿的损失和经济损失——几乎是桑迪影响的五倍。气候变化还有可能加剧风暴，例如飓风，这可能会进一步影响沿海社区。了解更多关于未来气候影响和 纽约市气候变化委员会， 一群科学家制定当地气候预测。
沿海风暴会严重损坏纽约人的房屋和个人物品。修复房屋损坏，包括机械系统和管道或更换物品，可能成本高昂，会给房主、租户和企业带来财务压力，尤其是对可能已经陷入困境的低收入家庭。 FEMA 估计 1 英寸的水可造成高达 $25,000 的损失。
沿海洪水泛滥还会损害重要的社区设施，例如学校、图书馆、青年和老年人服务空间以及文化场所。这些空间在风暴期间和之后充当支持中心。沿海浪涌洪水会扰乱和破坏从能源到污水处理厂的关键基础设施。由于损坏和潜在的停电，在沿海浪涌事件期间或之后，居民可能无法使用关键设施、基础设施和服务。
沿海风暴潮洪水不仅直接影响公众健康以及洪泛区居民、家庭和企业的生活，而且洪水的连锁影响还会影响周边地区的关键城市基础设施，例如发电厂、医院或交通网络。这些影响可能会影响人们在沿海风暴之前、期间和之后在城市中移动的能力。
The populations most at risk to current and future coastal storm surge flooding are those who live in the floodplain. Southern Brooklyn 和 Queens are expected to experience the greatest increases in future flood risk. In addition, those who have been excluded or marginalized based on their race, income or ability are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate impacts including coastal flooding. Residents who live in older, less-resilient housing face greater risks. Older New Yorkers and those with limited mobility are the most susceptible to these coastal storm-related injuries and fatalities. Close to half of all residents who died during Superstorm Sandy were over 65 years old. More data on flood vulnerability will be coming out later in 2023.
A product of the New York City Department of City Planning, the NYC Flood Hazard Mapper provides a comprehensive overview of the coastal flood hazards that threaten the city today, as well as how these flood hazards are likely to increase in the future with climate change. It is intended to enable more informed decision-making by residents, property and business owners, architects and engineers, and policy-makers.
