Wilmington, September 28 (RHC)-- A new study in the U.S. says rising sea levels in the Carolinas fueled a stronger storm surge during Hurricane Florence, leading to far more destruction in the region than would have otherwise been possible.  

Researchers are estimating that sea level rise over the past five decades led to 11,000 homes being damaged that would not have suffered damage previously.  Steven McAlpine of the First Street Foundation said: “Even though the impact of Hurricane Florence continues to be felt, we already know that sea level rise has made the damage significantly worse, as observed with other recent storms.” 

Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on tides for the Carolinas show an average rise in sea level of about six inches since 1970.  Climate change is expected to result in even greater sea level rise in the coming years and decades.