US: coastal cities face increased risk of flooding

In the US, the economic, environmental and social impacts of flooding are severe. Flooding presents a serious risk to physical infrastructure - roads, bridges, and water treatment facilities - which are essential to the well-being of the nation. Unfortunately, according to a new studies, US coastal cities are facing an increased risk of severe flooding due to a phenomenon known as compound flooding, reports Joel Scata in Switchboard.

It occurs when storm surge and heavy rainfall combine forces, delivering a one-two punch to the affected area by exacerbating the level of flooding that normally would have occurred if one of these events happened in isolation.

"Given that nearly 40% of the US population resides in coastal communities, this is a problem that will affect millions of people and properties, as sea levels rise" says Scata in his article at Switchboard.