ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Significant flooding has been reported from the Carolinas up through the New York metropolitan area. While much of the inland flooding is due to intense, torrential rainfall, many coastal communities are experiencing flooding caused by the Atlantic Ocean being physically pushed ashore.
Two key factors are contributing to this situation. First is the tidal cycle, in which the Moon’s gravitational pull causes regular rises and falls in sea level. The second factor is a strong area of low pressure currently positioned just south of New York City. This low-pressure system, working in tandem with a strong high-pressure system to the north, is creating a tight pressure gradient. The result is a persistent northeasterly wind that is driving seawater toward the coast and forcing it into vulnerable seaside areas.
This combination presents a serious coastal hazard, including widespread flooding, rough surf, and accelerated beach erosion. In some areas, the damage has been severe enough to cause homes to collapse into the Atlantic…