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Designing Now for the LEARN ABOUT
THE IMPORTANCE OF
Future Effects of Changing RESILIENCE
Climate Conditions PLANNING
As climate conditions continue to change, Newport News will experience steadily worsening
storm conditions. The City is proactively preparing for stormwater from more frequent severe
rainfalls and increased tidal flooding and storm surge as a result of sea level rise. Implementing
design standards that account for projected future flooding conditions will help create a safer
and more resilient City.
Why are new resilient design standards needed now?
Historically, within the Hampton Roads
region of Virginia, precipitation has been
increasing in frequency and intensity.
Projections indicate a greater than 40%
increase in precipitation could occur
across Virginia by the end of the century
(National Climate Assessment, 2018).
Our coasts are being impacted by rising
sea levels through a combination of
melting glaciers, thermal expansion
of ocean water f rom rising water
temperatures, and local land sinking. In
our area, we have seen an increase in sea
level of 1.57 feet over the last 100 years. This rate of change is expected to increase exponentially
in the future. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts sea levels in our
area will rise by up to 1.5 feet by 2050.
The combination of increasing rainfall and rising sea level will lead to more f requent flooding
that impacts homes, businesses, roads, inf rastructure, and the natural environment. In
addition, marshlands that provide pollution removal, wave dissipation, and critical animal
habitat are projected to have an overall decline.
By designing for future impacts due to a changing climate now, the community will be better
prepared for future natural hazards and receive multiple social, economic, and environmental
benefits, while reducing flood risk.
For any given year, building damages from coastal flooding are projected to increase from
$3.1 million today to $33.9 million in 40-60 years (around 2060-2080) and to $215.5 million
in the long-term (around 2090-2100) if flood mitigation measures are not instituted today.Jump to an indexed page (75 of 75)