US Coastal Flood Risk Study
Analysis based on 16 articles · First reported Apr 22, 2026 · Last updated Apr 22, 2026
The study's findings indicate significant future financial losses for the real estate and insurance industries along the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts, particularly in cities like United States — New York City and United States — New Orleans. Increased flood risks could lead to higher insurance premiums, decreased property values, and substantial costs for infrastructure protection and disaster relief.
A comprehensive study by researchers at the University of Alabama has revealed that over 17 million people along the United States' Atlantic and Gulf coasts are at the highest risk of being affected by flooding. The study, published in the journal Science Advances, used 16 factors including geographic hazards, population, infrastructure exposure, and social vulnerability, along with United States — Federal Emergency Management Agency data and artificial intelligence tools. United States — New York City stands out with 4.75 million people at high risk and over 200,000 buildings potentially damaged, while United States — New Orleans has 99% of its population, about 380,000 people, at risk. Other cities highlighted include United States — Jacksonville, Florida, United States — Houston, United States — Miami, United States — Norfolk, Virginia, United States — North Carolina, and United States — Mobile, Alabama. Experts, including Wanyun Shao, a climate scientist at the University of Alabama, and Alex de Sherbinin of Columbia University, expressed alarm at the magnitude of the risks, attributing the worsening flood problems to human-caused climate change. The study suggests that solutions should include natural infrastructure like wetlands and rain gardens, in addition to traditional dams and levees.
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