NYC Among Top Areas at Risk as Flooding Concerns Rise Nationwide

By Y.M. Lowy

A new national study is raising concerns about flooding across the U.S., finding that more than 17 million people along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts face a very high risk.

Among the areas most affected is New York City, where millions of residents and hundreds of thousands of buildings could be impacted if major flooding occurs. The study also pointed to New Orleans as another high-risk city.

Flooding has already become a more common issue in recent years, and experts say the trend is likely to continue. 

Streets in low-lying areas are particularly at risk during heavy rain or major storms.

Experts say the concern is not just about storms, but how often flooding is happening. When major storms hit, the impact can be especially serious for older adults, low-income residents, and others who may have fewer resources to respond or recover.