Ocean state rising: Storm simulation and vulnerability mapping to predict hurricane impacts for Rhode Island’s critical infrastructure

• DOI: 10.5055/jem.0801
• Publication Date: 2024-04-03T22:11:34Z
• Authors: Samuel Adams; Austin Becker; Kyle McElroy; Noah Hallisey; Peter Stempel; Isaac Ginis; Deborah Crowley
• Keywords: Vulnerability; Extreme Weather

Predicting the consequences of a major coastal storm is increasingly difficult as result global climate change and growing societal dependence on critical infrastructure (CI). Past storms are no longer reliable predictor future weather events, traditional approach to vulnerability assessment presents accumulated loss in largely quantitative terms that lack specificity local emergency managers need develop effective plans mitigation strategies. The Rhode Island Coastal Hazards Modeling Prediction (RI-CHAMP) system geographic information (GIS)-based modeling tool combines high-resolution simulations with geolocated data predict specific based concerns about impacts CI. This case study discusses implementing RI-CHAMP for State wind inundation its CI during hurricane, tropical storm, or nor’easter. paper addresses collection field verification data, along RI-CHAMP’s process integrating those models. project deeply engaged end-users (emergency managers, facility other stakeholders) developing ArcGIS Online dashboard ensure it provides specific, actionable data. results real synthetic models presented discussion how these being used by state owners, others.