Portside neighborhoods of Barrio Logan and National City once again face storm-driven floods with the potential to cause beach erosion and damage from heavy flooding. It was only a few years ago that National City was inundated during a heavy storm that dropped 3.4 inches of rain in three hours, damaging hundreds of homes and businesses.
To prepare the community, EHC would like to share some links to resources from the City of San Diego and National City, as we experience a stronger-than-usual El Niño.
El Niño is a climate phenomenon that occurs when warm surface waters from the equator travel eastward instead of west towards Asia due to weak or reversed Easterly winds. This year, El Niño has increased sea levels by one foot already. Although common, the frequency and intensity of El Niño have increased due to climate change. When coupled with an intense hurricane season and a warming climate, coastal communities are also experiencing rising sea levels.
Due to high tide and another weather-driven event called a Kelvin Wave, it is advised to be prepared for future flooding events in the fall and winter. (6) These extreme weather events are expected to continue as the historic emissions from fossil fuels and other sources of greenhouse gases heat the planet.
This is why EHC continues to fight for clean energy solutions. Our work to stop pollution from diesel trucks and toxic industries not only protects the health of our Portside neighborhoods, but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which fuel climate change.
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