The Top 5 States Most at Risk of Flooding
The risk of flooding throughout the United States is increasing with each passing year. Severe weather events such as hurricanes, severe storms, flash floods and more have the ability to bring billions of dollars worth of damage to communities all throughout the country.
Most believe that only a few states in the U.S. run the risk of flooding. However, this is false in just about every sense. In the last 5 years every one of the 50 continental United States has experienced at least one significant flooding event. Flood risks do not just associate themselves with the coastal areas of the country. The rise in swelling rivers, bursting dams or even the failure of city infrastructure can cause flooding.
Yes, every state is at risk of flooding. However, some states certainly do have a higher risk over others. Below are the top 5 states most at risk of flooding!
5. New Jersey
Back in 2012, Hurricane Sandy brought severe storm surge flood damage to 210,761 properties according to Risk Factor. Currently, only 64,861 properties throughout the state are protected due to local flood risk reduction measures known as adaptations.
With such a dense population and a lack of initiative on a legislative level, New Jersey is at a high risk of flooding in the coming years. The ever changing weather patterns and higher sea levels increase the severity of storms. Areas such as the 130 miles of the Jersey Shore, including spots like Atlantic City have a high risk of flooding if proper protection measures are not taken.
4. New York
Little surprise here with New Jersey sitting at number 5 that New York is right in front of them at number 4 on the risk of flooding list. While Manhattan has sea walls, 300,000 citizens live less than one meter above the sea level. Over the next several decades, storm swells have the opportunity to devastate Manhattan as well as other parts of New York City.
According to Risk Factor, 367 out of 903 critical infrastructure facilities in New York face a major risk of flooding. In addition, there are 102,225 properties that have a greater than 26% chance of severe flooding.
With regards to adaptation measures to decrease the risk of flooding, New York only possesses 18 known measures. This results in 4,698 properties that have gained protection due to adaptation.
3. California
In areas such as Southern California, many never even think of potential coastal flooding. When severe storms hit the state, the high tide line is usually pushed three feet above sea level. With consistently rising sea levels, experts believe that those levels will rise to four feet on a regular basis.
More than 325,000 citizens live less than one meter above sea level in California. In addition, there is a lot of significant infrastructure that exists between three and four feet above sea level. Potential future floods have the ability to wield catastrophic damage to the state.
2. Louisiana
The state of Louisiana is famous for the flood damage suffered from Hurricane Katrina. Images of New Orleans under water still circulate throughout the internet when discussing severe storms. The risk of flooding Louisiana faces is severe. More than 42.8% of individual properties are at risk of flooding over the next 30 years, according to NOLA.com.
The geographical factors of Louisiana contribute significantly to their flood risk. The proximity to the Gulf of Mexico during hurricane season leaves a lot of opportunity for flood threats to impact communities.
While the state is taking proactive measures, 517 adaptation measures to be exact, there are still significant risks that face communities. The combination of severe storms and rising sea levels are leading to what many think will be an estimated 70% of properties in the state being at severe risk of flooding.
1. Florida
Did you know that 1.6 million people live along the 638 miles of Florida’s coast that are less than one meter above sea level? That statistic alone can easily keep Florida at the number one spot on our list. Still, it is important to point out that the risk of flooding for Florida is primarily through severe storms and rising sea levels.
The common solution to potential coastal flooding is to build sea walls. However, in places such as Miami, the bedrock that exists is not dependable enough to feasibly build protection on top of it. Over the next few decades many in Florida will have to retreat from the coast and seek higher ground.
Currently there are 2,093,320 properties at risk of severe flooding throughout the state of Florida. Meanwhile, only 473,929 properties have protection from flooding through 370 known adaptation measures per Flood Factor.
Protect Against Flooding With Garrison™️ Flood Control
While these are the top 5 states who face the most flood risk, it is important to remember that all 50 states will experience flooding throughout the calendar year. Early prevention and preparedness will always put you in the best position to stay protected from flood threats.
Garrison™ Flood Control is a New York-based manufacturer and distributor of a complete line of flood control products. Garrison products contain, divert, and re-route water away from valuable property, equipment, infrastructure, and facilities and help prevent flood damage due to rising water levels.
If you would like additional information about Garrison™️ Flood Control Systems, please call 929-299-2099 or email sales@garrisonflood.com.