Texas Map Shows Cities That Could Go Underwater if Sea Levels Rise

Many parts of the United States would be significantly impacted if sea levels rose 10 feet, including Texas, a projection map by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows.

The map shows that a vast expanse of the state’s coastal regions would be heavily flooded, or even submerged in water, if sea levels were to rise that high.

Why It Matters

The concern around a 10 foot sea level rise is not only that it would flood major coastal cities, but also that vital service facilities like hospitals, fire stations and many others would be lost and that facilities which store, emit or handle sewage, trash and hazardous materials would also be flooded, which could have serious implications.

“Flooding can overwhelm septic systems and spread pollution, creating serious public health risks,” A.R. Siders, a professor of public policy and administration and a core faculty member of the Disaster Research Center at the University of Delaware, told Newsweek.

However, it’s not just a 10-foot sea level rise that is a concern.

The story continues in Newsweek.