I have declared a State of Emergency for Broward County in response to severe flooding. @FLSERT has resources on the ground and is providing aid.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 13, 2023
Residents in these areas should follow all orders from local officials and stay away from floodwaters.
High tides have been a contributing factor to the historic flooding that occurred in Fort Lauderdale in August 2021. The city has been experiencing what is known as “king tides,” which are the highest tides of the year and occur when the moon is closest to the Earth. King tides can cause water levels to rise significantly, and when combined with heavy rainfall, they can lead to flooding in low-lying areas.
The issue of sea-level rise and the potential for increased flooding due to climate change has been a concern for many coastal communities, including Fort Lauderdale. The city has taken steps to address these concerns, such as investing in infrastructure to mitigate the impact of flooding and developing plans to adapt to rising sea levels.
The flooding in Fort Lauderdale serves as a reminder of the potential impacts of climate change and the importance of taking action to mitigate its effects.
On Friday, Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick issued a statement urging DeSantis to make the request in the wake of flooding.
“Recent flooding has wreaked havoc across Florida’s 20th Congressional District, flooding our streets and displacing hundreds of families,” said Cherfilus-McCormick in a statement. “While we are slowly returning to a sense of normalcy, we need help, and we need it fast. I call on Governor Ron DeSantis to request a federal emergency declaration from President Biden so that Broward County can get the resources it desperately needs. Our communities cannot wait any longer.”
Thank you to the men and women of @MyFWC for working since early morning yesterday to help rescue people from the severe flash flooding in Ft. Lauderdale. pic.twitter.com/RsvvoILj7p
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 14, 2023
Florida is one of the most vulnerable states in the US to the effects of sea-level rise. The state is surrounded by water on three sides and has a large number of low-lying areas that are susceptible to flooding. In addition, much of the state’s population and infrastructure is located along the coast, making it particularly vulnerable to the impacts of rising sea levels.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a scientific agency within the United States Department of Commerce that focuses on the conditions of the oceans, major waterways, and the atmosphere. NOAA’s mission is to “understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources.”
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), sea levels along Florida’s coast have risen by approximately 8 inches since 1950, and are expected to continue to rise in the coming decades. This rise in sea level is due to a combination of factors, including the melting of glaciers and ice caps, thermal expansion of seawater, and changes in ocean currents.
The impacts of sea-level rise in Florida are already being felt, with more frequent and severe flooding in coastal areas. This flooding can damage homes, businesses, and infrastructure, and can also have significant economic impacts. In addition, rising sea levels can lead to saltwater intrusion, which can contaminate freshwater sources and impact agriculture.
To address the challenges posed by sea-level rise, Florida has implemented a range of measures, including investment in infrastructure to mitigate flooding, land-use planning to limit development in vulnerable areas, and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to slow the rate of climate change. However, there is still much work to be done to protect Florida’s communities and environment from the impacts of sea-level rise.
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