An article on USA today titled “Rising sea levels torment Norfolk, Va., and coastal U.S,” highlights the challenges that Norfolk, VA is facing due to rapidly rising sea levels. The article details how sea level rise is not equal across the ocean with some coastal regions experiencing various levels of increase. Norfolk’s sea level has risen 18 inches since 1880, and with the city’s faulty drainage systems, water and flooding have become a huge issue. Norfolk is very flat which adds to the challenges of keeping flood waters out of the city. When the city experiences heavy rain and storms, it is a slow and challenging process to manage the flood waters. The article highlights that many streets now flood regularly with higher tides, and many homeowners are facing tough decisions and financial hardships as flooding becomes more frequent. The city has taken measures, which include new regulations on buildings that ensure they will be build a certain amount of feet above sea level, and the city is also addressing the major issue with their drainage systems. Another major cause for concern, is the massive infrastructures at risk at the many military bases in the hamptons roads region. The article highlighted commentary from a retired naval officer who said that during his time in charge, their plans and construction did not account for global warming, and that the piers that house the various ships cannot support future sea level rise predictions as they exist now.
I sought an article out that discussed the impact coastal flooding will have on Norfolk, because in a few short months we are moving back to the Hampton Roads area. I lived in Norfolk from 2010 to 2013, and experienced the challenges that flooding presents, especially on side streets first hand. We are meeting with our realtor very soon to look at houses in Moyock, North Carolina, right across the VA line, and one major challenge is finding houses out of the flood zone. As I read this week’s article it made me question some of our potential home choices even further. We are planning to retire in the house we buy, and I wonder if the flood zone will expand to reach the homes I am considering in twenty to thirty years or even sooner? This week’s lesson was very informative, and just so happened to come at a time when I am making decisions about living near areas that are vulnerable to sea level rise. Hopefully, this lesson will help me make decisions based on my needs now in addition to potential future impacts and challenges.
References:
Koch, W. (2013, December 18). Rising sea levels torment Norfolk, Va., and coastal U.S. Retrieved May 21, 2016, from http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/12/17/sea-level-rise-swamps-norfolk-us-coasts/3893825/
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.