Understanding Coastal Flooding: Insights and Impacts on Martha’s Vineyard

We have a challenge ahead. Our Island is facing rising sea levels. By 2050, we could see a two-foot increase. That means bigger storm waves and more flooding along our coasts.

Island towns are updating their floodplain and wetlands bylaws to tackle this issue. For example, Chilmark currently lacks a floodplain bylaw. I’m a climate change researcher here for almost two decades. My top advice to towns? Don’t allow new development in flood-prone areas. Flood zones are risky places. We shouldn’t put more buildings there. It only invites trouble.

Existing structures are already at risk. When storms hit, debris can create hazards and cleanup costs rise. Residents in these areas are vulnerable, especially during emergencies. Even with raised buildings, ambulances can struggle to reach flooded spots.

Currently, there are 1,126 structures in the Island’s FEMA-designated flood zone. These maps are crucial for insurers and inspectors but don’t account for future sea-level rise. More accurate maps exist, like the Massachusetts Coastal Flood Risk Model, which provides better flood risk assessments. Additionally, tools like Storm Tide Pathways highlight over 700 flood pathways on our Vineyard map. Using these resources can help towns understand their risks better.

State floodplain specialists have created model bylaws for towns to consider. These guidelines can offer options for managing flood risks effectively. Here are a few of their key suggestions:

– No new construction in flood zones
– No new hardscapes, like patios or pools
– Tight controls on hazardous-material storage
– Limits on seawalls and other structures that can worsen wave action

These measures aim to protect both the community and the natural land that absorbs floodwater.

We also need to discuss “managed retreat.” It’s a hard phrase to accept, but it simply means moving away from at-risk areas. As sea levels rise and flooding worsens, this strategy may become necessary.

Expect to hear more about these bylaw updates soon. Towns will hold public input sessions, and it’s essential to share your thoughts. The goal is to finalize these changes for the 2026 annual town meetings, so there’s time to refine them properly.

Understanding our changing environment is crucial. According to a 2021 report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), more than 90% of the world’s ice is in meltdown, contributing to alarming sea-level rise. This global trend affects localized conditions profoundly.

Let’s work together as a community to safeguard our home for future generations.



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