In recent years, as climate change continues to negatively impact many aspects of life, super-storms and flooding have become detrimental issues for many low-lying and coastal areas. Specifically, in Hoboken, flooding is a serious risk to property, infrastructure, and human life. Hoboken has an average elevation of 23 feet above sea level. For reference, most of the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway would be underwater with surf reaching up to Washington Street in some areas.
With the increase in severity and occurrence of super storms like Irene, Sandy, Isaias, and Ida, the city of Hoboken and the state of New Jersey is investing in infrastructure that can protect against storm surges. Sadly, another risk to Hoboken is the rising tides due to the polar ice caps melting. Under current models, 50% of Hoboken will be underwater by the end of the century, according to a report from the Regional Plan Association. Per these grim predictions, Hoboken is also preparing for combat against a gradual rise against the tides.
In preparation for increased flooding, Hoboken is creating many projects to warn, protect against, and recover from flash flooding and storm surges. One, often overlooked but of vital importance, is the flood warning system. This system contains warning signs and barricades that use a cloud-based system and will activate after a certain amount of flooding build-up (and can be manually turned on as well). Other systems that have been implemented are resiliency parks. One is at Jackson and Observer Highway, and the other is at 7th & Jackson. The parks have massive basins underneath that can hold water during heavy rainfall and flooding.
Hoboken is being sure to invest in the future of flood protection. More parks are under construction, along with the development of better technology to predict storms and alert residents of them. In the future, these developments will help Hoboken be better prepared to predict and defend against the increase in flooding and storms. More information regarding flood warning systems can be found on the Hoboken website, hobokennj.gov.
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