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Flood Risk Rising in Ausable, Boquet Watersheds

Flood Risk Rising in Ausable, Boquet Watersheds

Recent state-funded flood studies have highlighted increasing risks in the Ausable and Boquet watersheds in the Adirondack region of New York. These studies project that flood flows on the state’s steepest rivers could increase by 33% or more over the next 75 years. The so-called 100-year floods of today, which have a 1% probability of occurring annually, are expected to become twice as likely by the end of the century. Homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure, including fire stations and water treatment facilities, are already at risk and could face even greater challenges as river discharges continue to rise. The reports also map high-risk areas and propose mitigation strategies, such as replacing undersized bridges and creating floodplain benches to manage overflow. These findings underscore the growing impact of climate change on local communities and infrastructure.

Machias, Maine, Experiences Nine '100-Year Floods' in Six and a Half Years, Raising Climate Concerns

Machias, Maine, Experiences Nine '100-Year Floods' in Six and a Half Years, Raising Climate Concerns

The coastal community of Machias, Maine, has been hit by nine '100-year floods' within a span of six and a half years, with four of these severe weather events occurring between December 2023 and March 2024 alone. A '100-year flood' is defined as a severe weather event with a 1% likelihood of occurring in any given year. The first of these floods struck in 2018, with floodwaters reaching 10.7 feet above sea level, exceeding the designated 100-year floodline. Subsequent storms, including one in 2020, inundated the Middle River and deposited significant amounts of seaweed onto the dike bridge, requiring municipal snowplows for removal. The recent cluster of floods in late 2023 and early 2024 saw water levels reaching 12 feet and 11.1 feet, respectively, with a fourth flood breaking the 11-foot mark. This unprecedented frequency of extreme flooding events has significantly impacted the town's infrastructure and residents.

Boston urges federal action on coastal flood risks

Boston urges federal action on coastal flood risks

The City of Boston has issued a public comment letter supporting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Draft Integrated Feasibility Report and Programmatic Environmental Assessment. The city agrees with USACE's findings, which estimate at least 42 inches of sea level rise and potential damages of $54 billion by 2090 if no action is taken. Boston has already invested $48 million in coastal resilience projects over the past decade, with $32 million currently under construction and $59 million planned for the next five years. The city is advocating for a comprehensive approach, combining Action Plan 2 and Action Plan 3, to address flood risks across its 47-mile coastline. Boston is also exploring funding options for its $3.5 billion non-federal share of the plan.

Coastal Flood Risk Maps Highlight Rising Sea Levels

Coastal Flood Risk Maps Highlight Rising Sea Levels

A new interactive tool, the Coastal Risk Finder, provides detailed projections of sea level rise and coastal flood risks. This tool allows users to explore local flood projections, identify vulnerable areas, and understand the potential impacts on their communities. By visualizing water levels up to 3 feet (0.91 meters) above mean higher high water (MHHW), the tool offers insights into how rising sea levels could affect coastal regions. It also highlights solutions to mitigate these risks, making it a valuable resource for residents, planners, and policymakers.

Alaska Lawmakers Urged to Adopt Unified Social Media Approach for Youth Protection

Alaska Lawmakers Urged to Adopt Unified Social Media Approach for Youth Protection

Alaska lawmakers are being urged to adopt a unified, statewide approach to protecting minors on social media, rather than a fragmented series of bills. Currently, the state lacks comprehensive legislation addressing the impact of social media on children. While House Bill 47 initially included social media provisions, these were later removed and did not become law. House Bill 318, which directly targets platform design features like engagement-driven feeds and notifications that keep minors engaged, has also not yet passed. This legislative push comes amidst growing concerns about the effects of social media on teenagers' mental health, with studies linking frequent use to higher rates of bullying, sadness, and suicide risk factors among high schoolers, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey.

Juneau Faces Annual Floods from Mendenhall Glacier

Juneau Faces Annual Floods from Mendenhall Glacier

Juneau, Alaska, is grappling with recurring glacial outburst floods caused by meltwater and rain accumulating in Suicide Basin near the Mendenhall Glacier. These floods, which have been occurring annually since 2011, have intensified in recent years, with record water levels reached in 2023, 2024, and 2025. The floods have caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure, with some residents losing everything. In response, the city has developed a real-time flood forecasting dashboard, providing residents with critical information to prepare for and mitigate the impacts of these events. The dashboard uses glacier and hydrology data to predict flood timelines and water levels, offering a model for other communities facing climate-driven disasters. Source time: Thu, 17 Sep 2026 13:12:48 GMT.

Flooding Concerns Persist in Alaska Amid High Winds

Flooding Concerns Persist in Alaska Amid High Winds

A Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect for the Kuskokwim Delta in Alaska through Thursday morning, as flooding concerns persist despite a tapering of rain in Western Alaska. High winds, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph, are expected to continue in the region. Southeast Alaska, including Yakutat, Juneau, and Sitka, is experiencing heavy rain from the same fall storm, with lighter showers in areas like Skagway and Ketchikan. A Wind Advisory is in place for Skagway until 7 p.m., with gusts up to 45 mph. Meanwhile, Southcentral Alaska is seeing drier conditions after record rainfall in Anchorage on Tuesday, where 1.16 inches of rain broke a previous record. Interior Alaska also experienced record rainfall, with showers and winds of 35–45 mph forecasted through Wednesday. The Aleutian Chain and North Slope are seeing calmer weather, with partly cloudy skies and cooler temperatures.

California faces risks from atmospheric river impacts

California faces risks from atmospheric river impacts

California continues to face significant risks from natural hazards, including atmospheric rivers, which have caused severe flooding, landslides, and debris flows in recent years. During a February storm, torrential rainfall on fire-scarred areas led to flash flooding and landslides, highlighting the challenges of forecasting and emergency response. The state is also preparing for a 'super El Niño' event this fall, which is expected to bring more extreme weather. These events underscore the need for improved forecasting and disaster preparedness to mitigate risks to public safety and infrastructure (Lofgren, 2026).

2026 Wildfire Season Poised to Break Records

2026 Wildfire Season Poised to Break Records

The 2026 wildfire season is shaping up to be the most destructive in over a decade, with approximately 13,200 square miles burned across the U.S. so far, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. This area is roughly the size of Maryland and Rhode Island combined and represents a 50% increase above the 10-year average. Oregon has experienced its worst wildfire season in recorded history, with 4,000 square miles scorched, while Washington spent over $200 million fighting fires in a single month. In contrast, Alaska has seen one of its quietest fire seasons in 30 years due to cooler spring temperatures. With weeks remaining in the fire season, the total area burned is expected to surpass previous records.

New Jersey Department of Health and Office of Emergency Management Urge Residents to Prepare for Emergencies During National Preparedness Month

New Jersey Department of Health and Office of Emergency Management Urge Residents to Prepare for Emergencies During National Preparedness Month

The New Jersey Department of Health and the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) are reminding residents to prioritize preparedness during National Preparedness Month. Health Commissioner Dr. Raynard E. Washington emphasized that unexpected emergencies, including extreme weather and communicable diseases, can significantly impact communities. Jeanne Hengemuhle, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police and Acting State Director of Emergency Management, highlighted preparedness as a shared responsibility, stressing the importance of proactive steps by families. The State Health Department's Division of Disaster Preparedness, Resiliency and Emergency Medical Services collaborates year-round with NJOEM and local officials to ensure resident safety. Residents are encouraged to create emergency plans, build emergency kits, stay informed, and know where to seek help. Specific advice includes planning for various emergencies, safeguarding homes against carbon monoxide and mold, and staying...

Florida Marks Hurricane Preparedness Month

Florida Marks Hurricane Preparedness Month

Governor Ron DeSantis has declared September as Florida Preparedness Month, urging residents to take proactive steps to safeguard their families and properties against potential disasters. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) is emphasizing the importance of readiness ahead of the hurricane season. This includes creating emergency plans, assembling disaster kits, and staying informed about local evacuation routes and alerts. The initiative aligns with the state's broader efforts to enhance community resilience against hurricanes and other severe weather events. Source time: Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMT.

NASA Launches LACCE Mission to Study Landslide Risks in California and Alaska

NASA Launches LACCE Mission to Study Landslide Risks in California and Alaska

NASA has announced the launch of the Landslide Change Characterization Experiment (LACCE), a mission aimed at studying slope stability in California and Alaska. The project, set to begin in the fall of 2027, will use a combination of airborne radar, ground-based sensors, and laboratory experiments to investigate how extreme precipitation and melting glaciers contribute to landslides. The research will focus on measuring the size, rate, and speed of active landslides, understanding the impact of regional precipitation patterns, and assessing the effects of retreating glaciers on slope stability.