The Storm Surge Working Group meets regularly in New York City and virtually to discuss important issues related to the safety and security of Metropolitan New York, northern New Jersey, and Long Island.
Formed soon after Superstorm Sandy devastated the eastern seaboard in October 2012, the SSWG brings together world-class science, engineering, planning and advocacy to find cost-effective ways to protect Metropolitan New York, northern New Jersey, Long Island and western Connecticut from the twin threats of extreme storm surges (associated with hurricanes and winter nor’easters) and rising sea levels (associated with ocean warming and melting ice masses).
In this era of rapid climate change, both threats, alone or in combination lead to serious threats to the livability, security and prosperity of the Nation’s largest and most important metropolis in the years, decades and centuries ahead. Such intertwined threats demand regional solutions that transcend both geographic and political boundaries.
The SSWG seeks regional perspectives and solutions to serious coastal flooding issues within the Lower Bay (Raritan Bay), Upper Bay (NY Harbor and Port Elizabeth), all five Boroughs of NYC, the shores of Long Island, western Connecticut and both banks of the lower Hudson River, including their many rivers, tributaries, harbors, inlets and backbays.
Over this vast domain of low topography we have built our sophisticated industrial and commercial infrastructure, seaports, airports, land transportation hubs, public health facilities, food distribution networks and residential communities.
Most or all are at risk of future damage and destruction by surging and rising seas.
The SSWG advances cost-effective initiatives and enlightened policies to ensure the support lasting solutions appropriate to, and effective for, the next 100 years.
