Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan - Existing Conditions

Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan Storm Surge Storm surge is the abnormal rise in water level, pushed onto shore by a hurricane or nor’easter. Wind, waves, and low pressure combined, create conditions for surge. If currents are in the onshore direction, water begins to pile up onshore. Often times, surge is the most dangerous part of a hurricane as it creates rapid and intense flooding on shore. The last storm to create storm surge damage to Rhode Island was Hurricane Sandy in 2012, which mainly impacted southern communities of Newport and Washington Counties. Rhode Island is most affected by storm surge when storms pass through the west. According the Natural Open Space Partnership prepared by Sasaki and Associates, storm surge is a significant risk to the central and downtown areas of Newport due to its proximity to the harbor. Sea Level Rise In Newport, sea level has risen an average of 2.6 millimeters (0.1 inches) per year since 1930. In comparison, the global mean sea level has risen an average of 1.7 mm per year. The rate of sea level rise (SLR) is expected to increase globally as well as locally in Rhode Island. Current and future sea level rise is caused by thermal expansion of sea water and by the addition of freshwater from melted land ice, both affected by climate change. The rise in sea level is particularly a problem for coastal communities as it increases the risk for flooding and the intensity of storm surge during hurricanes and nor’easters. Winter-Related Hazards Nor’Easters The State of Rhode Island averages one to two Nor’easters per year and they can be highly dangerous. These storms most often occur during the winter and bring heavy snow, blizzards, high winds, sleet, ice or freezing rain, and at times flooding, depending on air temperatures. The impacts that Nor’easters have on Newport are intensified due to the fact that the city is located on an island and that inhabitants rely on a series of bridges to get to the mainland. All of the bridges that lead off of the island are shut down when wind speeds of 69 miles or over occur. On top of bridge closures, Nor’easters often cause structural damage to buildings, and power outages typically from trees damaging power lines. Heavy Snow Heavy snow is generally defined the buildup of more than eight inches of snow in less than 24 hours. In Rhode Island, winter storm warnings are issued when it is expected that snowfall will accumulate more than four inches in 12 hours. Newport is located outside of the northeastern heavy snow regions and has a warmer winter than many other cities due to its maritime climate, thus receiving less snowfall on average than northeastern states. On average, Rhode Island gets about 36 inches of snow a year, almost half of the snowfall that northeastern states receive. Heavy snow is impactful as it can cause damages with its weight and create dangerous environments for people and transportation, which halts most community activity. Ice Storms Ice storms occur when rain freezes when it is comes in contact with cold surfaces, causing accumulations of ice. This generally happens during winter storms when storms create heavy snow and sleet elsewhere. Ice storms may result in power losses, creating dangerous conditions for those who rely on electricity for warmth and for communication. Icey conditions also create safety hazards for pedestrians and transportation. Page 14-4 Draft Existing Conditions (March 2016)

Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan - Existing Conditions | Page 194