In part one of An Imperfect Storm we looked at how the recent flooding in Puget Sound validated predictive models of the vulnerability of shoreline parcels to flooding and sea level rise. In part two we look at how the use of these models in sea level rise and storm adaptation and recovery may be exacerbating gentrification and inequality. Continue reading An Imperfect Storm Part Two

The morning of December 27, 2022 brought a king tide to Washington State’s Puget Sound. A storm surge caused by a deep low-pressure system raised the water level by a further two feet. The resulting tidal anomaly caused significant coastal flooding, including around Whidbey Island in Island County, Washington, where many homes have been built on beaches and sand spits. Many of these low-lying communities were impacted, some residents had to be evacuated, and homes and businesses suffered water damage. Roads were closed in places. Fortunately, there were no reports of loss of life. Continue reading An Imperfect Storm