Raising awareness of the growing threat of severe weather in NYC

Climate change is increasing the danger of extreme storms and flooding.
Rain on a window with blurred city lights in the background during nighttime.

Record-Breaking Rains

The 4 most intense storms in NYC history (based on hourly rainfall) have all occurred in the last 6 years.

Source: New York City Department of Environmental Protection, 2025

A flooded residential street with water covering the road and partially submerging the curb, houses on both sides, and trees in the background under an overcast sky.

Rising Sea Levels

Sea levels in NYC are expected to rise 1 to 2 feet over the next 25 years, a dramatic acceleration after rising 1 foot over the last 100 years!

Source: New York City Department of Environmental Protection, 2025

Flooded city street with submerged cars, emergency responders, and highway signs overhead.

Flash Flooding

Recent major storms have dropped over 3 inches of rain per hour on NYC, quickly overwhelming sewer infrastructure designed to handle half that amount.

Source: Office of the New York City Comptroller, 2024

Flooded room with water covering the floor, a basketball floating, and various household and sports items scattered around.

Basement Apartments

Hurricane Ida caused 11 deaths from flooding in basement apartments, and over 100,000 vulnerable New Yorkers are at risk.

Source: Bloomberg, 2022

Learn from the Experts

Read my interviews with local and national experts about the threat of severe weather and what we can do about it.

New

Meredith McNair on Environmental Justice for the Jewel Streets

How community organizing pushed the city to address decades of flooding and neglect in the Jewel Streets.

Read the interview → New

Professor Brett Branco on FloodNet

The city's flood sensor network, and how it builds trust with communities to reduce dangerous flooding.

Read the interview → New

James Stroud on FEMA and the Katrina Declaration

Why he sees the agency's current state as a serious risk heading into hurricane season.

Read the interview →
Read All the Interviews

What This Means For You

Flooding in New York City happens quickly. Heavy rain can overwhelm storm drains in minutes, especially in low-elevation neighborhoods and older parts of the city. Streets that look passable can turn dangerous, and basement apartments can start to fill with water before people realize what's happening.

That's why preparation matters. Knowing what to do before, during, and after a storm can prevent injuries, reduce damage, and save lives.

Learn How To Prepare
A flooded city street with people walking through the water, some with umbrellas and boots, cars partially submerged, and a person with a bicycle carrying a green crate in the foreground.

Want To Help Out?

Fighting extreme weather is a community effort that requires a multifaceted approach. From helping clear storm drains and checking on neighbors to contacting local representatives, there are many ways to take action.

See How To Get Involved
A man wading through flooded street with NYPD police car and water-resistant buildings in the background.

Learn More About Extreme Weather

New York City is facing increasing climate risk, from flash floods to powerful coastal hurricanes. These challenges reflect a larger trend across the United States, where storms, heat waves, heavy precipitation, and other extreme events are becoming more frequent and severe. Understanding both the local and national impacts of extreme weather is key to spreading the reality of climate change and its harmful effects.

Learn More
Person drawing a flower on a colorful poster with the text 'Save the Planet' and a drawing of Earth surrounded by hearts, flowers, and leaves.
Map showing projected flood zones across New York City, including current FEMA flood zones and projected 2020s and 2050s sea level rise zones.

See Your Flood Risk

Explore these interactive maps to see how flooding could affect your neighborhood.

View Stormwater Flood Map View Coastal Flood Map