New Jersey’s Sea Level Is Rising

The sea level off New Jersey’s coast is up to 12 inches higher than it was in 1950.¹ This increase is mostly due to New Jersey’s sinking land, and it’s causing major issues. Solutions in New Jersey can be complicated because as land is sinking, shores are also eroding. The state has many oceanfront communities and countless species of wildlife at risk from sea level rise.² There are already over 45,000 properties at risk from frequent tidal flooding in New Jersey.³ The state is planning over $2 billion in sea level rise solutions, which include restoration projects, catastrophic flood prevention, and building seawalls.

Sea level rise is speeding up

The sea level around Atlantic City, New Jersey, has risen by 12 inches since 1950. Its speed of rise has accelerated over the last ten years and it’s now rising by over 1 inch every 5 years.¹ Scientists know this because the sea level is measured every 6 minutes using equipment like satellites, floating buoys off the coast, and tidal gauges to accurately measure the local sea level as it accelerates and changes.⁴

While there are four causes of sea level rise in New Jersey, the slowing of the Gulf Stream⁵ and land sinkage⁶ are the largest contributors. Because the Gulf Stream has slowed down, it leaves more water on the East Coast. This, combined with sinking land, makes New Jersey particularly vulnerable to an increased rate of sea level rise in the future. Click here to learn more about these causes.

Most flooding happens in the fall and winter

The highest tides in New Jersey occur during nor’easters. These wintertime storms push more water to the coast, raising high tides even higher, especially when combined with an increased gravitational pull from the moon. In places like Atlantic City, these tides are typically over a foot and a half higher than normal high tides.¹ Add that to the 12 inches of sea level rise since 1950, and you end up with flooding even on sunny days.

Solutions aren’t simple

In New Jersey, the sea level is rising more rapidly than some coastal areas because as the ocean water is rising, the land is sinking and shorelines are eroding. Solutions can be complicated because with 2.5 million people living in 5 counties along the Atlantic Ocean,⁷ New Jersey has many towns and cities to solve sea level rise and flooding issues for. In addition, the state must preserve many species of wildlife that rely on coastal habitats.

When the ocean rises high enough, high tides cause flooding even on sunny days. Even though the sea level has only risen by about 3 and a half inches, tidal flooding has increased by 319% in some areas of New Jersey since 2000.¹⁰

Flooding even when there’s no rain

Drainage systems are designed to channel excess rainwater from the streets and drain it into the sea. But with the pressure from rising sea levels and higher tides, seawater can get pushed into these pipes and spill out into the streets. This causes flooding even on days without rain.

Increased storm surge flooding

Unfortunately, slightly higher sea levels make hurricanes even more damaging. Just a few more inches of sea level rise allow a hurricane to push more water onto the land, even if the hurricane itself doesn’t make landfall.

There’s a lot at risk from sea level rise and flooding in New Jersey, especially because the state has 141 miles of oceanfront that is host to not only cities and towns, but a complex ecosystem that is home to many species of wildlife.² As sea levels continue to rise, some species are losing their habitats and face declining numbers.¹⁴ In addition to the oceanfront beaches that face the threat of erosion from increased ocean water levels, many bay communities are at risk. Many of Delaware Bay’s beaches are narrow, with wetlands immediately inland and could face land loss.¹⁵

In Ocean City there are 4,493 residential properties already at risk from repeated tidal flooding, by 2033 that number will increase to 6,627 as sea levels rise. In North Beach Haven, 1,826 properties at risk will turn into 2,565 within 15 years. In Sea Isle City there are 1,193 properties at risk, which will become 2,182. And in Atlantic City, there are 1,295 properties at risk, which will increase to 2,211 by 2033. Click here to explore other coastal areas in New Jersey that are at risk at FloodiQ.com.

What can you do?

Individuals, mayors, legislators, governors, and Congress can work together to build protections before flooding, to build back stronger after flooding, and to create plans that future-proof our communities. Click here to see what solutions can help protect your home or what your community can do.