Rising sea levels make Texas Gulf Coast prone to frequent flooding

The Texas Gulf Coast faces increasing flooding due to rising sea levels and land subsidence, averaging 10.7 flood days a year compared to the national average of 6.8.

James Osborne reports for The Houston Chronicle.

In short:

• The Texas Gulf Coast experiences more frequent flooding than other U.S. coastal regions, with an average of 10.7 flood days per year.
• Land subsidence and global sea level rise are primary contributors, exacerbated by greenhouse gas emissions and natural resource extraction.
• Projections indicate significant future impacts, with up to six feet of sea level rise by 2100 potentially submerging many coastal areas.

Key quote:

“Over the last 30 years the rates of sea level rise along the Gulf Coast have been the highest in the nation, and it’s only going to accelerate. Beyond 2050 we’re talking beyond the goal posts, with the potential for some really big numbers if emissions don’t abate.”

— William Sweet, oceanographer at NOAA

Why this matters:

Increased flooding threatens infrastructure, including sewage systems and roads, and could render many communities uninhabitable. Increased storm severity and frequency mean that evacuation routes, emergency shelters, and disaster response plans are under constant pressure. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and low-income families, face heightened risks, often lacking the resources to recover quickly from such events.