According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the global sea level has been rising over the past century due to the warming of the ocean and increased melting of land-based ice. The rising sea level could threaten millions of people and homes through coastal floods. Furthermore, changing rain and snowfall patterns could alter inland flooding risk in many states. Here are the states most at risk of flooding over the next 100 years:
1. Florida – Florida faces the largest coastal flooding threat in the country. About 3.5 million people are at risk of coastal flooding across Florida’s 638 square mile coast and 1.5 million people are at risk of inland flooding.
2. Louisiana – Louisiana faces the second greatest threat from coastal flooding among coastal states. 955,000 people living in the 1,180 square miles of land one meter above sea level are at risk of coastal flooding.
3. California – Southern California is often affected by storms that push the high tide line three feet above sea level. 1.3 million Californians who live on inland flood-prone areas are at the most risk. Coastal flooding may affect 170,000 people in the future.
4. New Jersey – More than 650,000 people are at risk for flooding in the Garden State. New Jersey is at risk for both climate change-driven coastal flooding and inland flooding vulnerabilities.
5. New York – New York is at high risk of coastal flooding, with 550,000 people living in flood-prone areas. The state is introducing adaptation strategies, including sea level rise maps for coastal communities and sea level projections.
6. Virginia – The low-lying dry land of Virginia is at risk for coastal and inland flooding due to projected sea level rise. 164,000 people are at risk of coastal flooding and 260,000 people can be affected by inland flooding in Virginia.
7. South Carolina – Over 400,000 people are at risk for coastal or inland flooding in South Carolina. Although the flood threat level is lower than average, most cities are located in dangerous low-lying areas.
8. North Carolina – In North Carolina, 120,000 people are currently at risk of coastal flooding, while 450,000 people are living in areas at elevated risk of inland flooding. The state is also prone to hurricanes, although it has avoided major damage in recent years.
9. Massachusetts – Approximately 84,000 people are currently at risk of flooding on the coast of Massachusetts. However, 210,000 people are at risk of inland flooding in the Bay State.
10. Georgia – The Peach State has about 127 square miles of low-lying land at risk of flooding. Inland flooding puts 570,000 Georgians at risk, while coastal flooding may affect 100,000 people in Georgia.
If you live in one of these states, you should take extra precautions. Learn more about the different types of floods and how to protect your home from flooding. For flood water damage repair and mold remediation service, contact your local PuroClean office.
