Boston area braces for 1.5 feet sea level rise flooding by 2050 projections

Concerns over coastal flooding took center stage at the Essex Board of Selectmen Public Forum on January 29, 2025, as experts presented alarming projections regarding sea level rise and its impact on local infrastructure. The meeting highlighted the vulnerability of the causeway and surrounding areas to flooding, particularly as sea levels are expected to rise by up to 1.5 feet by 2050, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The discussion focused on the causeway's geographical challenges, noting that its proximity to the Essex River has already led to flooding, a situation projected to worsen significantly in the coming decades. Presentations included detailed modeling work that illustrated the potential for daily flooding events at high tide by 2050, with maps showing a stark increase in flooded areas compared to present-day conditions.

The Massachusetts Coast Flood Risk Model (MCFRM) was utilized to analyze coastal flood exceedance probabilities and depths. The findings revealed that even minor storms could lead to extensive flooding, with Main Street expected to experience much more inundation in 2050. The causeway is predicted to be completely submerged, with flood depths reaching between 5 and 10 feet during major storm events.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the role of impervious surfaces in exacerbating flooding. High levels of these surfaces in downtown Essex hinder rainfall absorption into the ground, further increasing flood risks.

As the community grapples with these pressing environmental challenges, the discussions at the forum underscored the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect local infrastructure. The implications of these findings are significant, prompting calls for strategic planning and investment to safeguard Essex against the looming threat of coastal flooding.