Snowstorms and Shores: The Hidden Flood Risk in New Jersey

New Jersey is no stranger to the fury of nor'easters, but the recent blizzard that battered the Northeast has highlighted a lesser-known threat: coastal flooding. The state's densely populated shoreline, with over 1,792 miles of coastline, makes it particularly vulnerable to the storm surges and flooding that can accompany these powerful winter storms.

According to Anthony Broccoli, a distinguished professor of atmospheric science at Rutgers University, nor'easters can push water onshore and trigger coastal flooding, a risk often associated more with hurricanes than winter storms. "In New Jersey, these storms are not just inland snow events," Broccoli explains. "They can also have a significant impact on coastal communities."

The consequences of this hidden flood risk are far-reaching. New Jersey has more miles of highway per square mile than any other state, which means that a storm can leave an unusually large road network to plow and salt. This can be a significant challenge for emergency responders, particularly in areas with limited resources.

But the impact of coastal flooding in New Jersey extends beyond the immediate aftermath of a storm. The state's unique geography, combined with rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events, makes it a prime example of the unequal access to nature that is fueling America's health crisis.

A recent report by the Center for American Progress and the nonprofits Justice Outside and Conservation Science Partners found that communities of color face environmental degradation or destruction at three times the rate of white communities. The burden also weighs heavily on poorer neighborhoods, with almost three-quarters of nature-deprived communities earning less than their state's average household income.

"This is the extractive economy at work," said Elizabeth Yeampierre, executive director of the environmental justice organization UPROSE. "We're seeing the consequences of decades of disinvestment in communities of color and low-income communities, and it's having a devastating impact on public health."

In New Jersey, this unequal access to nature is particularly evident in the state's urban areas. Cities like Newark and Camden have limited green spaces and high levels of air pollution, which can exacerbate respiratory problems like asthma. Meanwhile, coastal communities like Atlantic City are vulnerable to the flooding and storm surges that can accompany nor'easters.

The intersection of these two issues – coastal flooding and unequal access to nature – highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to environmental policy in New Jersey. By addressing the root causes of environmental degradation and investing in green infrastructure, the state can reduce the risk of coastal flooding and promote public health, particularly in low-income and minority communities.

As Broccoli notes, "We need to think about the long-term implications of these storms and how they're going to impact our communities. We can't just focus on the immediate response; we need to think about how we can build resilience and adapt to a changing climate."

By taking a proactive approach to environmental policy, New Jersey can reduce the risk of coastal flooding and promote public health, ensuring that all communities have access to the natural resources they need to thrive.