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 The Federal Emergency Management Administration’s flood maps are outdated and don’t account for the kind of flooding directly caused by extreme rainfall.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 | Aug 2, 2021
Several U.S. cities among most expensive places to build in the world
San Francisco, New York, and Boston head the domestic list.
Codes and Standards | Jul 28, 2021
American Concrete Institute creates new director of innovative concrete technology post
Aim is to attract emerging technologies for development.
Codes and Standards | Jul 28, 2021
Higher ed faces infrastructure backlog of $112.3 billion
Study recommends integrated strategic planning for best results.
Codes and Standards | Jul 27, 2021
Add a wobbly moon to flooding risk factors
Earth satellite’s orbit variations will lead to sunny-day flooding in the mid-2030s.
Codes and Standards | Jul 26, 2021
Revamping of Florida building codes on the table after condo collapse
Tragedy could prompt upgrades like post-Hurricane Andrew effort.
Codes and Standards | Jul 21, 2021
Proposal to give Calif. hospitals more time for earthquake retrofits stirs controversy
State hospital association says 2030 deadline should be extended.
Codes and Standards | Jul 20, 2021
New York, New Jersey legislatures may revamp bidding rules to promote low-carbon concrete
Contractors would have to certify that their concrete is in compliance.
Codes and Standards | Jul 19, 2021
Lack of information on carbon emissions challenges construction industry
Reports recommends whole-life carbon assessments on building projects.
Codes and Standards | Jul 19, 2021
Florida condo collapse spurs increased scrutiny on inspections, regulations
Insurers demand proof of current inspections.
Codes and Standards | Jul 15, 2021
Three drywall code-referenced publications have been updated
Include guidance on fire resistance, sound control, application, and finishing.