​10 Years After Sandy: Tell Us How Flooding Has Affected You

Flooding, such as when the Delaware River overflowed into the streets of Columbia, NJ, is expected to become more common as precipitation increases in the state.

Ten years ago, Hurricane Sandy brought on some of the most devastating flooding New Jersey has ever seen. Nearly 150 people lost their lives, and 650,000 homes were destroyed.

While Sandy was considered a “once in a lifetime storm”, such previously uncommon storms have become much more common in the past few years. Rainfall data backs this up.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection commissioned two studies on changes in precipitation (rain, snow, sleet and hail) in the state. The studies compared precipitation from 2000-2019 with the data from 1899-1999. The information from the past century currently guides policy decisions, flood plain mapping, and stormwater management.

What the studies found is that some places in the state are already experiencing 10% more precipitation annually and that we can expect an additional 20% or more by the year 2100, thanks to climate change.

As we think about what’s to come, it’s important to look back on what has already happened. The American Littoral Society wants to know how flooding has affected you and your loved ones.

Do you think the state needs stronger rules to protect people and property from flooding? Tell us why and share your flood story by emailing lucia@littoralsociety.org.

Currently the state is developing Inland Flood Protection Rules which will require regulatory agencies to use updated precipitation data. We need to design for the future, but there are people who would rather continue to develop as we always have, placing lives and property in harm’s way.

Lived experiences can be more powerful than data and statistics. Sharing your story can help us better advocate for smart laws that protect the state and its people against climate threats.