Rising Tides: New Yorkers Must Prepare For Climate Change’s Flooding Threat

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“The readiness is all,” Hamlet famously declared. In the era of climate change, Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth has transformed from an abstract documentary into a stark reality that demands immediate attention. As hurricanes ravage Florida and catastrophic floods devastate communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the call for preparedness resonates across borders.

In New York City, hurricane season spans from June to November, with August typically marking its peak intensity. This critical window compels residents to gear up for the increasing likelihood of severe storms and flooding. Experts warn that this season could shatter records, driven by the alarming rise in rainfall intensity linked to climate change.

On Friday, Rohit Aggarwala, Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and Beth DeFalco, Deputy Commissioner for Public Affairs, briefed the press on essential preparedness steps for New Yorkers. In a landscape marked by diverse flooding types and response strategies, homeowners hold a pivotal role in safeguarding their families and properties. This reality underscores the urgent need for effective communication and education through journalism to empower residents with knowledge about their responsibilities and options.

Aggarwala stressed the importance of media involvement in elucidating the different types of flooding and encouraging proactive homeowner actions. “Preparation is key,” he stated. “If you’re prepared, you won’t face significant problems and can bounce back quickly. But if you’re unprepared—if you have priceless, perishable items in your basement—you may not recover. That’s the core message we want to convey.”

DeFalco echoed this sentiment, asserting that preparation is one of the most critical actions individuals can take. She shared her own household readiness plan, ensuring everything is in place long before storms strike, so there’s no frantic search for supplies when disaster looms. She further emphasized the necessity of proactive measures, such as deploying flood barriers before leaving for work, as timing is crucial when storms approach.

Moreover, DeFalco highlighted the public’s need for a deeper understanding of various flood types and infrastructure designed to mitigate them. This knowledge is invaluable, empowering residents to take an active role in flood preparedness and response.

So what do you need to know?

According to Beth DeFalco, climate change is driving the increase in rainfall. As oceans warm, increased evaporation leads to clouds that can carry and release rainfall with unprecedented intensity. “The big problem for us in terms of rain and hurricane preparedness is how fast the water is coming down,” she explained.

As New Yorkers confront the reality that flood preparedness is essential, they are becoming increasingly aware of the different types of flooding that can impact the city. Coastal residents primarily face challenges related to storm surge and rising sea levels, while those in inland areas may experience increased flooding from groundwater and stormwater runoff.

Understanding the distinctions between stormwater, groundwater, and coastal flooding is crucial for developing effective flood preparedness and response strategies in New York.

Coastal flooding, particularly storm surge, is closely linked to hurricanes like Sandy and Helene. These storms underscore the urgent need for robust coastal defenses, such as seawalls and elevated structures, to protect vulnerable areas from surges. A significant challenge arises when intense rainstorms coincide with high tides, dramatically increasing the risk of flooding and potential damage.

In contrast, stormwater flooding occurs from rainfall, while groundwater can also significantly contribute to flooding concerns. In areas like Brooklyn, groundwater flooding poses a common challenge. When the ground is already saturated, water can seep into basements, creating a serious issue for homeowners.

During heavy rainstorms, New York City’s sewer system can become overwhelmed when the volume of water exceeds the capacity of the pipes. This can result in backups from manholes, catch basins, and basement sewer connections, leading to flooding in homes and on streets. In some cases, excess water may overflow into local waterways, worsening water pollution and environmental hazards.

Beth DeFalco, Deputy Commissioner for Public Affairs at NYC DEP, noted that “throughout the city, most of the sewers can handle about an inch and a half to an inch and three-quarters of rain per hour.” She explained that once rainfall exceeds this threshold, the system begins to back up, causing flooding to emerge through toilets and bathtubs, as well as from groundwater or street flooding. “Sewer backups are certainly one of the most common complaints we hear.”  

Groundwater flooding presents another challenge, often leading to confusion among residents regarding whether they are experiencing groundwater flooding or a sewer backup. DeFalco shared, “Sometimes people get both. I’ve experienced both in bad storms.”

Groundwater flooding occurs when the soil surrounding a home becomes so saturated that water begins seeping into the structure. “Water will find the smallest entry point to come in,” DeFalco explained. For many homeowners, this means water can rise through basement drains if they exist, but it can also infiltrate through foundational walls or even emerge directly from the ground.

How NYC is Tackling the Flooding Challenge?

New York City is implementing a range of strategies to address the growing threat of flooding. According to Beth DeFalco, a major challenge is that building above ground is often faster and cheaper than constructing underground solutions. As a result, the city is prioritizing above-ground approaches to manage stormwater, focusing on green infrastructure, cost-effective drainage systems, and new technologies.

Expanding the sewer system and undertaking underground projects come with high costs and long timelines, often requiring street excavation. To mitigate flooding in a more immediate and sustainable way, the city is turning to alternative methods like rain gardens, porous pavement, and the Bluebelt program. The DEP currently manages over 545 acres of bluebelts and natural areas in boroughs such as the Bronx, Staten Island, and Queens. These bluebelts help retain and channel stormwater naturally.

Rain gardens, a cornerstone of the city’s green infrastructure efforts, are designed by cutting sections of curbs to create drainage areas around sidewalks. These areas allow rainwater to seep into the soil, reducing the amount of water entering the overburdened sewer system. As DeFalco explained, “What we’re trying to do is slow the amount of water going into the sewer.”

In Brooklyn, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has been using porous pavement to help absorb rainwater. This innovative material allows water to pass through the surface and seep into the ground below, turning parts of the city’s “concrete jungle” into functional sponges. Over three miles of porous pavement have been installed in residential neighborhoods, with plans to expand by an additional 10 miles in the Bronx and 35 miles in Brooklyn by 2023.

The city is also investing in Cloudburst projects—targeted initiatives designed to manage intense, localized rainfalls. These projects aim to prevent flooding in neighborhoods that experience heavy downpours while nearby areas may remain dry. The Mayor and DEP announced four initial Cloudburst Hubs in early 2023: Corona and Kissena Park in Queens, Parkchester and Morris Park in the Bronx, and East New York in Brooklyn. DeFalco pointed to her own neighborhood of Red Hook, where nearly four inches of rain fell within two hours during one storm, while other parts of the city saw little rainfall.

FloodNet sensors are another critical piece of New York’s flood management plan. With a $7 million investment, the city will install 500 sensors that measure real-time flood levels using laser technology. These sensors will provide essential data to guide flood response and help mitigate damage.

DeFalco emphasized that while the city is making significant infrastructure investments, homeowners must also take action. The DEP cannot expand the entire sewer system to meet rising flood risks, so individual property owners need to start making modifications to manage stormwater on their own properties.

What can people do to protect their own home from flooding?

Homeowners can take several steps to enhance their flood resilience. First and foremost, securing the right insurance is crucial, as it enables faster recovery in the event of a flood. Basic renters and homeowners insurance typically does not cover flood and wind damage, so it’s essential to obtain a separate policy. All homeowners, renters, and business owners are eligible for flood insurance. For more information on finding the right coverage, visit FloodHelpNY.org and FloodSmart.gov.

Installing flood barriers across driveways can effectively prevent water from entering from the street, while enhancing the overall resilience of the home is crucial. Sump pumps provided by the city are invaluable for cleanup efforts and for managing minor flooding. It’s essential to assess how well a home can withstand minor flooding and to have strategies in place for swift water removal to minimize damage.

Regardless of whether you live alone or with family, developing a comprehensive emergency plan for hurricanes is vital. Ensure that everyone knows how to locate each other and establish a communication strategy to maintain connections during a crisis. This preparation enhances safety and coordination in emergencies.

Sewer Back-Ups: Avoid placing bathroom fixtures lower than the sewer connection, as this can lead to raw sewage backing up into basement apartments through drains.

Stormwater Flooding: Basements situated at the bottom of a driveway or below sidewalk level are especially vulnerable to both stormwater and groundwater flooding.

Safety Considerations: Clearly defined exit routes are crucial during a flood. Bars on windows can trap individuals in basement apartments during emergencies, increasing the risk of harm.

Wait to Use Water: Refrain from flushing toilets, taking showers, or using water-dependent appliances—like washing machines and dishwashers—during heavy rainfall to avoid exacerbating flooding.

Minimize Strain on Systems: Limiting extra water discharge helps reduce strain on an already overburdened sewer system.

Understanding Your Zone: You don’t need to be in a hurricane evacuation zone to be at risk of flooding. Residents living in basements or below-grade apartments are particularly vulnerable. Understanding your flood zone is paramount. To identify evacuation routes, use the city’s online tool, the Finder.

Stay Informed: Sign up for Notify NYC, the city’s official source for emergency information, to stay updated on critical alerts and safety guidance.

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