Urgent Warning: U.S. Cities Face 10-Foot Flooding by 2100
UPDATE: A shocking new map from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reveals that thousands of U.S. coastal cities could be completely submerged by 2100 due to a projected **10-foot rise** in sea levels. Coastal geologist Randall Parkinson warns that this scenario would be “catastrophic,” with dire implications for both coastal and inland communities.
With approximately **5,500 locations** across the country that manage or store hazardous materials at risk of flooding, the potential for widespread pollution is alarmingly high. More than half of these sites could face flooding dangers by **2050**, threatening the drinking water and health of millions who live far from the coast.
Parkinson emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Not only would everything above ground be submerged, but everything that is underground as well,” which includes critical infrastructure like stormwater and sewer systems. This could lead to severe contamination of freshwater sources even in areas seemingly safe from direct sea level rise.
The impact will hit vulnerable populations hardest, particularly low-income neighborhoods that often lack the resources to adapt. As groundwater levels rise alongside ocean levels, regions increasingly distant from the coast may face “nuisance or permanent freshwater flooding” well ahead of direct sea level impacts.
Coastal cities across the West Coast, including Seattle, San Francisco, and Crescent City, are among those facing imminent threats. On the East Coast, cities like Boston, Atlantic City, and parts of New York City could also suffer significant inundation. Meanwhile, nearly all of Florida‘s coastline, including major urban areas like Tampa and Fort Lauderdale, is at risk of total submersion.
A particularly concerning point raised by Parkinson is that while New Orleans may remain above water, surrounding regions will not be so fortunate. The expected increase in sea levels—**7 feet by 2100**, with an additional **3 feet** in the next 20 years—result from both glacier melt and thermal expansion of ocean water due to rising atmospheric temperatures.
The science is clear: elevated carbon dioxide levels are driving climate change, making the prospect of severe flooding a pressing reality. The challenge now lies in reducing these emissions to avert disaster. Parkinson insists that making substantial changes to carbon output is crucial to mitigating these catastrophic outcomes.
As communities and policymakers grapple with this urgent threat, the time to act is now. With devastating consequences looming, the survival of countless coastal cities hangs in the balance. Share this crucial information to raise awareness about the impending climate crisis and its impact on our cities and communities.
