Sea level rise and storm surge maps create a detailed picture of community resources and areas exposed or vulnerable to future inundation.

Rising sea levels will inundate wetlands and low-lying lands, erode beaches, destroy infrastructure, cause population displacement, intensify flooding, and increase the salinity of rivers, bays, and groundwater tables.

Mapping a community for sea level rise and storm surge is a four-step process:

  • Obtain and prepare topographical elevation data.
  • Establish mean sea level and mean high water level.
  • Map inundation for increments of sea level rise for 0.5 to 2 meters (1.5 to 6.5 feet) and a storm surge of 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet).
  • Visualize inundation and storm surge scenarios.