Coastal cities are rapidly losing freeboard – the space between infrastructure and the ocean — as high-tide flooding is becoming a chronic rather than an infrequent problem.
“This is sea level rise,” said William Sweet, an oceanographer for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services. “It’s starting to impact infrastructure like storm water systems, fresh water systems, waste water systems as well as infrastructure at ground level, like roads and property. It’s not a year 2100 issue.”