By jgolby at Shutterstock

Each year, scientists record rising sea levels on coasts across the country. For the most part, it’s along the East Coast where these rising sea levels tend to pose a problem. There are cities, such as Boston, New York, and Miami Beach, that are in serious danger of flood damage. But they are not the only ones.

In August of 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the coast throughout Florida and Louisiana. In particular, New Orleans was truly devastated by the storm front. It is estimated that over 15 million people were affected, with water rising up to 20 feet in some places, and nearly $125 billion in property damage. In October of 2012, Hurricane Sandy struck the coasts of New Jersey and New York, causing an estimated 149 deaths and an estimated $50+ billion in property damage. Today, both Florida and Louisiana remain at an increased risk of flooding, but they’re not the only cities.

Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh, NC is home to two creeks and one river. Walnut Creek, Crabtree Creek and Neuse River make the area beautiful, but also at a high risk of flooding during severe storms and hurricanes.

While the city is actively working on removing buildings from flood-prone areas and turning them into green spaces, you might still find that your property in Raleigh may suffer from water damage during severe storms and hurricanes. As you may know, water damage could wreak havoc in your property if left untreated and should be considered an emergency. If your home in Raleigh, NC experiences flood damage, storm damage or any other form of water damage, contact your local Restoration 1 of Raleigh for prompt service.

Kissimmee, Florida

With a population of over 71,000, Kissimmee, FL, is not a small town. It’s a big city with a rapidly growing floodplain population. Now, what does the term floodplain population mean? It’s important to know to determine which cities are at the greatest risk of flooding in the U.S.

A floodplain population is the number of homeowners living within a severe floodplain. Here in Kissimmee, FL, Osceola County doubled its floodplain population in just under 16 years. Back in 2000, the number of homeowners in a flood zone sat around 31,500. Today, that number is over 60,000.

That is a massive increase. The number of homes in danger of flooding can only rise in the coming years.

San Marcos, Texas

You might be shocked to see that Texas cities are some of the highest risk areas for flood damage. But San Marcos, TX, is in genuine danger of flooding each year. San Marcos, like Kissimmee, FL, has nearly doubled its floodplain population in recent years. At one point, there were just 6,000 residents living in a flood zone. Today, there are over 13,000 in flood plain areas. This is a 112% increase in floodplain population in such a short time.

Sugar Land, Texas

With a population of over 88,000 residents, and a substantial floodplain population growth, Sugar Land, TX, is currently ranked as one of the most at-risk cities for flood damage in the country. Texas is actually considered one of the worst states in the country for natural disasters.

In Sugar Land and the rest of Fort Bend County, there were once fewer than 20,000 residents living in flood zones. Today, there are over 46,000 residents and growing. That’s an increase of over 138% in floodplain population.

Despite these three cities gaining attention for their massive floodplain growth, there are other cities across the country at risk of flooding. For instance, New York, NY, Hialeah, FL, and Miami, FL, will remain at risk for the next three decades or more.

For today’s top flood damage restoration services, call your local Restoration 1 for immediate assistance.