Wildfires are a common threat for some, exacerbated by climate and land use stressors. Fires that begin in dry areas spread rapidly, often carried by extreme coastal winds. Weather pattern changes reduce the frequency of storms that bring needed moisture.

Extreme Heat and Wildfires

Storm Surge

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Sea-level Rise

Sea-level rise is the result of melting land ice and thermal expansion in ocean waters, both of which are caused by warming temperatures. Sea-level rise increases flooding during storms and king tides. King tides are extreme high tides caused by the combined effects of the gravitational forces exerted by the moon, sun, and rotation of the earth. They can cause flooding in coastal communities.

Wildfires

Sea-level Rise

Extreme Storms and Flooding

Tsunamis are large, fast-moving waves generated by earthquakes, landslides, or volcanic eruptions. They can cause both flooding and infrastructure damage from the extreme force the waves can sometimes generate.

Extreme Heat and Wildfires

Storm Surge and Tsunami

Tsunamis

Climate change is expected to increase both flood risks and the number of extreme storms. Storms that exceed the design capacity of local storm infrastructure—either in intensity or duration—may cause flooding in streets and communities. Many water and wastewater facilities are located near coasts, enclosed bays, or rivers, making flooding a major risk to the services provided.

Extreme Storms and Inland Flooding

A storm surge occurs when rain and wind over the ocean create larger waves that carry onto land. Storm surges may cause or contribute to flooding in coastal communities.

Extreme heat can be experienced as higher average temperatures during summer months, more intense and longer heat waves, and more frequent extreme heat days. Higher temperatures also dry out vegetation and soil, creating fuel for wildfires.

Extreme Heat