Rising sea levels to significantly increase US coastal flood threat by 2050

A new report by NOAA, based on tidal gauge data, satellite observations and climate model ensemble output detailed in the latest IPCC Assessment, projects that, on average, sea levels along the United States coastline will be 10-12 inches higher by the year 2050 compared to today. By 2100, the increase may be as much as 2 feet, unless there are significant decreases in global greenhouse gas emissions.

The warming of the planet due to the steady increase in greenhouse gases is triggering the melting of land-based glaciers such as in Greenland, which are releasing massive amounts of freshwater into the oceans. The warming of the oceans is also leading to a rise in sea level due to thermal expansion.

Sea level height increases will also vary regionally due to any land height changes.

In some locations, coastal flood events that normally occur once every two to five years may happen multiple times in the same year by 2050.

Moderate flood events may happen more than 10 times as much as they do today along some coastlines.

Impacts:

Significant increase in U.S. coastal flooding, even in the absence of storms.

Further increase in tidal flooding along exposed, low-lying coastlines.

Greater damage to exposed structures along the immediate coast.

Major erosion to beaches and sand dunes.

Impacts to transportation as exposed roads are washed out more frequently.

Negative economic impacts to coastal communities.

Increased insurance costs.

Ecological impacts.

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