2018 Reports

Norfolk, Virginia: A City Dealing with Increased Flooding

Atkinson, Larry; Ezer, Tal

Norfolk, Virginia, is experiencing accelerated sea level rise (~4.5–6 mm/year) and increased flooding from high tides and storms, driven by global sea level rise, local land subsidence, and Gulf Stream changes. To address these risks, the city has implemented a three-pronged strategy: preparation through emergency planning, mitigation via stormwater management and engineering projects, and active communication with residents. Norfolk also launched the Hampton Roads Intergovernmental Pilot Project to coordinate federal, state, and local agencies for regional resilience planning. These efforts have positioned Norfolk as a model for integrating science, planning, and community engagement in adapting to coastal flooding.