Connecticut Coastal Towns Storm Surge Return Interval Viewer

Understanding the risk posed by the extreme storm events and accurate assessment of the flood risk is crucial for the successful management of the coastal communities by means of increasing the resiliency. There are only few available tide gauge, buoy and storm sensor data in the Long Island Sound to project the extreme sea level statistics using the observed records available to accurately determine the level of risk along the Connecticut coastline. In this work, we reproduced the highest 44 storms between 1950-2018 using a coupled circulation and wave model. The modeled events are fit to probability distribution to statistically estimate the annual exceedance probabilities and return periods for expected storms. For detailed information about the approach and the results, please click here. The results presented here are to highlight the storm surge water levels and significant wave heights which may contribute to a better understanding of extreme storms and guide decision makers.

Data Description and Usage

The modeled data has been created using the VDatum (NAVD88) and bathymetric data. Using the toggle down bar, please select the town that you would like to see the return interval results. The viewer will show the location of records, the specific return interval results. The probability of the storm (or return period) are presented with the corresponding water level and significant wave height in feet. The 20%, 10%, 3.33%, 2%, and 1% annual exceedance probability represents 5, 10, 30, 50 and 100-year return period elevations, respectively. If the user wants to reach a specific or all the return periods or frequency of the storm records, please click here. Note that the higher probability has shorter return period. For instance, 100-year return period storm has low probability (1%), whereas 10-year return period has higher probability (10%)

DATA DISCLAIMER
This information is provided with the understanding that it is not guaranteed to be correct or complete and conclusions drawn from such information are the sole responsibility of the user. Attempts have been made to ensure that this data or documentation is accurate and reliable; The University of Connecticut, nor the Department of Marine Sciences, does not assume liability for any damages caused by inaccuracies in this data or documentation, or as a result of the failure of the data or software to function in a particular manner. The University of Connecticut, nor the Department of Marine Sciences, makes no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or utility of this information, nor does the fact of distribution constitute a warranty.