Sea Level Rise Maps: U.S. Gulf Coast 2040-2100

These maps illustrate the scale of potential coastal flooding in the years 2040- 2100 after varying amounts of sea level rise. The maps were produced by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) using detailed elevation maps with local and regional tidal variability. They show the extent of inundation likely at high tide after various amounts of sea level rise. At the current rate of rise, the sea level on the east coast is expected to rise around 8 feet by the year 2100. That's only 81 years from now Some places will flood sooner so the year is shown beside the name of the location.

It will be necessary to build a levee around Manhattan Island, but at enormous cost. The possibility of building a levee around Sanibel Island? Not likely.

So, if you live close to the ocean, you may want to think about moving further inland in the next 20 years or so. If you are thinking about buying a home close to the water, check out these maps first. If the area is light blue, it will likely be under water - sooner than you think