Future sea rise could expose 720,000 more people on East Coast to flooding

An analysis by NPR based on modeling from the National Hurricane Center for New York City, Washington, D.C., and Miami-Dade County found future sea rise could expose about 720,000 more people to damaging floods later this century.

The analysis used three hurricanes—Sandy, Isabel, and Irma—as benchmarks to understand future storm surge impacts. By 2080, when sea rise could surpass three feet, flooding would engulf more critical infrastructure, including hospitals and schools that often provide emergency shelter.

While rising waters are destructive, powerful hurricanes add another element. High winds amplify storm surges and push walls of water onto shore. This repetitive shock loading causes extensive structural failure.

In the Miami area, flooding already at lethal levels under current conditions would top nine feet farther and move farther inland as waters rise. The number of people at risk could nearly double by 2080, based on NOAA’s likely sea level rise projection of just over 2.5 feet, according to the analysis.

After a century of service, use, and countless modifications which eroded the historical character of the building and grounds, the restoration brought the 200,000-sf building back to its former grandeur by restoring historical elements, preserving existing materials, and rehabilitating spaces for contemporary uses.

| Jan 12, 2012

Stellar earns construction industry's most prestigious safety award

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Building independence: New take on female power

Memoir explores historic engineering project, women's empowerment era.

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3M takes part in Better Buildings Challenge

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| Jan 11, 2012

DOE announces guide for 50% more energy efficient retail buildings

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| Jan 11, 2012

Mortenson starts construction of Rim Rock Wind Project

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| Jan 9, 2012

Shawmut appoints Les Hiscoe COO and EVP

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