Coastal Storm Threats Put Water, Wind and Erosion Prep Back in Focus

Storm concerns from the Northeast to Southern California, plus wider river-flood mapping, make this a good week to prepare before local conditions change.

This week’s coverage shows different water risks arriving in different places: Realtor.com is tracking an unusually early nor’easter along the Northeast coast, while LAist is watching swell-driven flooding and erosion risks in Southern California. Insurance Journal also reports that the National Weather Service has expanded its experimental Flood Inundation Mapping coverage from about 60% of the country to nearly 100%, giving more communities access to modeled river-flood information.

According to Realtor.com, the Northeast system could bring strong winds, heavy rain, shoreline flooding and erosion from New York City to Boston. Realtor.com says leafy trees and rain-soaked soil may add to damage exposure, particularly for older roofs and waterfront homes.

According to LAist, swells linked to Hurricanes Polo and Odalys could bring dangerous surf, coastal flooding and beach erosion to Southern California, with Long Beach and Avalon among the places facing greater exposure. Insurance Journal reports that the mapping tool estimates where river water may spread using forecast river flows and current conditions.

What this means for you

• The immediate coastal threats are regional, but every owner benefits from knowing how water reaches the building and what happens if power, roads or normal access are interrupted.
• For coastal homes and rentals, drainage, exterior items and vulnerable roof areas deserve attention before conditions become unsafe.
• Rental-property owners should give residents a simple way to report water intrusion, fallen limbs and unsafe access.
• River-flood awareness is worth including in seasonal property checks even if a property is not near the ocean.

What to do

• Clear leaves and debris from gutters, downspouts, drains and exterior areas that direct water toward the building.
• Photograph rooms, major appliances and valuables, then keep the images accessible from another device with the Home inventory for insurance claims guide.
• Review coverage documents, deductibles and insurer contact information with the Home insurance renewal review guide.
• Create a household or tenant checklist covering shutoff locations, emergency contacts and first steps for an interior leak with the Home water leak response plan.
• Check local alerts and flood information before travel or contractor appointments, and complete basic preparation before an active warning.

Related on 4Homes: Home water leak response plan, Home insurance renewal review guide, Home inventory for insurance claims guide.

Sources: Realtor.com News, LAist, Insurance Journal.