While flash flooding can
occur anywhere from heavy rains and poor drainage, coastal flooding occurs when
intense, offshore low-pressure systems drive ocean water inland. The water
pushed ashore is called storm
surge.
Coastal Flooding in New York City
In 1991, the Halloween Nor'easter — popularized by the movie "The Perfect
Storm" — stranded several southern Queens residents, as the primary Coastal
Evacuation Route from the Rockaway Peninsula was inundated by coastal
flooding.
In December 1992, another powerful nor'easter with hurricane-force winds left
a mark on New York City when its flooding knocked out electrical service to city
subways, forced LaGuardia Airport to close, and submerged parts of the FDR Drive
in Manhattan in four feet of water. Coastal flooding from the nor'easter damaged
as many as 20,000 homes and forced almost 2,000 people to take refuge in 36 Red
Cross emergency storm shelters.
National Weather Service Terms
COASTAL FLOOD WATCH: Issued by the National Weather
Service when coastal flooding is possible within 12 to 36 hours. COASTAL
FLOOD WARNING: Issued by the National Weather service when coastal
flooding is occurring, imminent, or expected within 12 hours.
Coastal Flooding Levels
Coastal flooding levels — categorized as minor, moderate, or
major — are calculated based on the amount water rises above the normal
tide in a particular area.
MINOR — nuisance coastal flooding of locations adjacent to the
shore. Minor beach erosion can occur. Minor coastal flooding is not expected
to close roads or do any major structural damage to homes and other
buildings. MODERATE — more substantial coastal flooding, threatening
life and property. Some roads may become impassable due to flooding. Moderate
beach erosion will occur along with damage to some homes, businesses, and
other facilities. MAJOR — a serious threat to both life and
property. Numerous roads will likely become flooded. Many homes and businesses
along the coast will receive major damage. People should review safety
precautions and prepare to evacuate if necessary. Major beach erosion is also
expected.
New York City Areas Most at Risk of Coastal
Flooding
Bronx: Edgewater Park, Silver Beach, Locust Point, Classon Point and
Throggs Neck Brooklyn: Coney Island, Brighton Beach, Manhattan Beach
and Sheepshead Bay Manhattan:
Lower Manhattan — Battery Park City and South Street Seaport
Lower West Side — Battery Park to Midtown
East Side — Entire FDR Drive
Lower East Side — East of Avenue C, East 14th Street to Houston Street
Queens: Rockaway Peninsula, Broad Channel, Howard Beach and West
Hamilton Beach Staten Island: New Dorp Beach, Oakwood Beach, Foxwood
Beach, Great Kills and Tottenville
