Recent storms such as Hurricanes Ida and Henri that claimed dozens of lives due to flooding point to the need for cities to increase efforts to stem the impact of heavy rainfall.
The recent storms support the notion that climate change is making the impact of large storms worse. The atmosphere holds more water as temperatures rise. The air becomes 4% more saturated with water for every 1-degree Fahrenheit that the planet warms. Thus, the heaviest downpours in the Northeast now drop 55% more rain compared to those events in the 1950s, according to the most recent National Climate Assessment.
Better data about flood risks could help cities make massive rainfall events less deadly, but data gathering has not kept up with the latest conditions. The Federal Emergency Management Administration’s flood maps are outdated and don’t account for the kind of flooding directly caused by extreme rainfall.
Cities must upgrade urban stormwater infrastructure including street-level drains, concrete sewers that can capture and hold water, roadside ditches, and flood-control reservoirs to cope with the new reality. In addition, more green spaces could help absorb some rainfall, preventing it from entering drains. These steps can help, but it remains to be seen if it is even possible to engineer our way to 100% protection against flooding.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Apr 11, 2017
2017 National Energy Codes Conference includes code boot camp, PNC Tower tour
The DOE-sponsored event will be held in Pittsburgh July 17-20.
Codes and Standards | Apr 10, 2017
Congressional hearing on skills gap includes look at construction industry
Strategies to boost ranks of construction workers include mentoring programs, increased safety measures, trade group support, and outreach to school counselors.
Codes and Standards | Apr 6, 2017
Product-specific EPDs seen as key aid to earning green building credits
The product-specific EPDs allow designers to more quickly earn a LEED v4 credit in the Materials & Resources category.
Codes and Standards | Apr 5, 2017
Updated AIA Disaster Assistance Handbook released with significant enhancements
Updates provide guidance on how design and construction pros and emergency managers can work together to prepare for and respond to disasters.
Codes and Standards | Apr 4, 2017
Global standards for indoor environmental monitoring under development
Systems and sensors guidelines will be aligned with major green standards.
Codes and Standards | Apr 3, 2017
New standard test method for static loading and impact on exterior shading released
The method provides a standard lab procedure evaluation of ice and snow loads and impacts.
Codes and Standards | Mar 30, 2017
WELL enters strategic partnership with developer of standards and assessment tools
GIGA’s RESET standard and data collection will be integrated into the WELL standard.
Codes and Standards | Mar 29, 2017
Climate-specific code changes target energy savings for tropical zones
Hawaii considers updated 2015 IECC tailored to its climate.
Codes and Standards | Mar 28, 2017
Safety concerns over wood-frame construction raised after Raleigh apartment fire
The unfinished building was destroyed in a five-alarm blaze.
Codes and Standards | Mar 27, 2017
Bills in Maryland Legislature would restrict use of wood in multifamily construction
American Wood Council and design and construction professionals are speaking out against the measure.