Flood Hazard Analysis reveals increasing severity of storm events over time

The City of Dunedin held a crucial public meeting on June 11, 2025, focusing on vulnerability assessments related to storm events and flooding risks. This meeting aimed to inform residents about the increasing severity and frequency of storm events, which are becoming more common due to changing climate patterns.

One of the key discussions revolved around the concept of "event storms," which are categorized by their probability of occurrence. For instance, a "100-year event" has a 1% chance of happening in any given year, but this does not guarantee it will only occur once every hundred years. The meeting highlighted that the likelihood of such severe storms is rising, indicating that communities must prepare for more frequent and intense weather events.

Participants learned about the historical context of storm events in the region, with examples like Hurricane Helene, classified as a significant storm, and Hurricane Idalia, which was less severe. The meeting emphasized the importance of understanding storm surge and its correlation with storm categories, clarifying that a high-category hurricane does not always equate to a severe flooding event.

The city is currently conducting an exposure analysis to assess critical assets, including emergency shelters, police and fire stations, and transportation routes. This analysis will help identify vulnerable areas and inform future adaptation plans. The meeting also outlined a timeline for the project, indicating that the city is in the process of mapping environmental hazards to better understand the risks faced by the community.

As Dunedin prepares for the challenges posed by climate change, the insights gained from this meeting will play a vital role in shaping strategies to protect residents and infrastructure. The city encourages ongoing community engagement as it moves forward with these important assessments and planning efforts.