Good Info Sources For Flooding in NYC

The topic of flooding in cities (resilience, mitigation, stormwater, cloud burst or coastal surge management) is large and evolving.

As a result, there are so many sub-topics, as well as potential experts and good (and just okay) information sources. We have reviewed hundreds.

We will use and update this page as curated list of some sources that stood out to us as they offer something valuable or unique, with a quick note about why.

Flooding: Our Homes, Our Streets, Our City: What Can Be Done

  • Webinar with discussion (90 min), recorded April 2024

  • Source: Good Neighbors of Park Slope

  • DEP representatives giving their pov:

    • Why does sewer get overwhelmed

    • Recommend downspouts be disconnected from sewer lines

    • Free solutions from city

    • Q&A session on specific tactics

  • Gowanus Canal Conservancy leadership in meeting:

    • How water flows through South Brooklyn: a historical and topographical view with maps

    • Local green infrastructure initiatives and CSO plans

    • Existing vs Emerging problems and recommendations

  • Link here

After a Century of Flooding on Brooklyn’s Fourth Avenue, City Says It’ll Be Fixed … By 2033

  • Article published Oct 2023

  • Source: StreetsBlog NYC

  • History of 4th Avenue South Brooklyn flooding

  • What are the solutions proposed and timing and why delays

  • Link here

NYC Official Green Infrastructure Portal

  • Updated ongoing including new rule changes

  • Source: NYC DEP

  • What are the various forms of “green infrastructure” as it relates to flooding

  • Maps on how to find existing / proposed projects in your area including rain gardens and “impervious / pervious” surfaces

  • Link here

Understanding Flood Insurance in NYC

  • Updated ongoing

  • Source: FloodHelpNY is funded by NY Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery and New York Rising and FEMA through the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice/Housing Preservation Development, and is a project of the Center for New York City Neighborhoods, Inc.

  • Enter an address and it gives you a risk assessment as well as various steps you can take to mitigate, including a detailed section on Flood Insurance and if required (per our Do I Need Flood Insurance story)

  • Very good Q&A sections, and multiple languages

  • Link here