Rainfall Flooding

In most climate plans you hear a lot about sea level rise and storm surge but not as much about everyday rainfall flooding. Using historic rainfall patterns and projected climate trends, we have modelled the effects of rainfall flooding for Oldsmar.

What we are seeing in our models is that areas in the north of the city are more susceptible to rainfall flooding than the coastal areas. One of the reasons this is the case is because of how our watersheds work. We have water flowing from large watershed areas (like Brooker Creek Preserve) into the city. Currently, most of the places that flood during rainfall events are meant to do so (such as stormwater ponds or wetlands) or are parks/natural areas. As we move into the future with a higher water table, the flooded areas will increase to potentially affect the built environment.

Below are maps showing the effects of rainfall flooding on the city through 2070. You can use your mouse to zoom in and out of the map, pause the slideshow, or go to a specific storm size to see how your business or residence will be affected by rainfall flooding. 

Note: The maps reflect rainfall flooding with intermediate sea level rise of four feet by 2100. A 25 year event is smaller has a greater chance of occurring than an 100 year event.