AI identifies eight US cities at risk of flooding, with New York and New Orleans facing enormous risks due to concrete, sinking ground, and areas below sea level in an alert that alarms residents and authorities.

Written by Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Published on 26/04/2026 at 17:21

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Study published in Science Advances used artificial intelligence and historical damage records to identify eight U.S. coastal cities most exposed to floods, with a focus on New York, New Orleans, and Miami, where factors such as altitude, drainage, intense urbanization, and population density amplify the risks

New York, New Orleans, and Miami are among eight U.S. coastal cities with the highest risk of flooding, in areas located on the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coasts. The warning appears in a study published in the journal Science Advances, which used artificial intelligence and historical damage records to identify where the danger is greatest and what factors explain this vulnerability.

The list includes New York, NY; Norfolk, VA; Charleston, SC; Jacksonville, FL; Miami, FL; Mobile, AL; New Orleans, LA; and Houston, TX. The research evaluated both general flood damages and the more severe threat of extreme damages, treating the two scenarios as different risks.

Artificial intelligence identifies cities most exposed to floods

The study was developed by Hemal Dey and Wanyun Shao, from the University of Alabama, with a broader assessment framework than traditional methods. Instead of only observing where water might advance, the analysis also considered the environment, local infrastructure, and population characteristics.

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New York and New Orleans lead in vulnerability

New York and New Orleans appear as the most vulnerable cities, but for distinct reasons. In New York, the main highlight is the volume of exposed people: 4.75 million in the general damage scenario and 4.40 million in the extreme damage scenario.

New York’s vulnerability is linked to intense urban development, which has replaced natural areas with impermeable surfaces, such as concrete. Ground subsidence also increases the risk, making the city even more sensitive to the impacts of floods.

In New Orleans, the problem appears differently and affects almost the entire city. Nearly 99% of the population and infrastructure are at risk in both scenarios evaluated by the research.

The main explanation lies in the city’s position, as a large part of it is below sea level. This condition hinders water drainage by gravity, increasing exposure to floods and associated damages.

Altitude and drainage explain part of the risk

The research identified that altitude is the main risk factor for floods in general. Lower areas accumulate water more easily, which increases the probability of damage when severe events occur.

In cases of extreme damages, the most important factor is drainage density. This indicator refers to the concentration of streams and rivers in a given area, which can influence the severity of impacts.

Population density appears as the third most relevant factor. The presence of many people in the same region increases the impact of any flood, regardless of its intensity.

Risk grows in low-lying and dense urban areas

The authors point out that the risk of coastal floods is higher in low-lying, densely populated urban areas with high drainage density. This profile combines physical exposure, vulnerable infrastructure, and high population concentration.

Severe flooding events have become more common in the United States, partly due to rising sea levels and the intensification of hurricane activity associated with climate change. In addition to the risk to life, these disasters cause billions of dollars in damage to properties and infrastructure.

The framework developed by the researchers seeks to offer practical information for authorities and policymakers. The proposal is to assist in flood management in other regions prone to flooding, based on a more integrated assessment of risks.

AI identifies eight US cities at risk of flooding, with New York and New Orleans facing enormous risks due to concrete, sinking ground, and areas below sea level in an alert that alarms residents and authorities.

Artificial intelligence identifies cities most exposed to floods

New York and New Orleans lead in vulnerability

Altitude and drainage explain part of the risk

Risk grows in low-lying and dense urban areas

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AI identifies eight US cities at risk of flooding, with New York and New Orleans facing enormous risks due to concrete, sinking ground, and areas below sea level in an alert that alarms residents and authorities.

Artificial intelligence identifies cities most exposed to floods

New York and New Orleans lead in vulnerability

Altitude and drainage explain part of the risk

Risk grows in low-lying and dense urban areas

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Egypt wants to draw 10 million cubic meters of water from the Nile per day into the desert, irrigate a new agricultural frontier, and build a city where there is currently only sand.

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