New tsunami hazard maps highlight threat facing seven California counties — even Napa
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the California Department of Water Resources (CDWR) prepared special hazard mapping scenarios for seven California counties during 2014 to better forecast tsunamis, landslides, and other storm-surge events that could potentially affect the region.
The special hazard mapping scenarios are part of CDWR’s National Severe Storms Study (NSSS) and are designed to project tsunami, storm tide, and other flood hazards in California. They are used by federal and state agencies to evaluate the potential for future flooding and are available for free for download and printing.
“The National Severe Storms Study brings our state and nation into an accurate and robust understanding of the impact a major storm event might have on our state,” said Deputy Secretary of State Jane E. Mans, who oversees the NSSS. “The NSSS offers insight for communities and government agencies regarding the severity of the threats we face, including our role as a coastal infrastructure provider.”
“We are very appreciative of the work conducted on the NSSS and the opportunity CDWR provided to continue to ensure accurate and consistent hazard forecasts that are helpful in preparing communities and for decision-makers in the field,” said Acting Secretary of State Kevin J. Chiu, who oversees the NSSS. “We appreciate the partnership with CDWR so that we’re able to continue to improve the accuracy and usefulness of these hazard studies for California.”
NSSS Hazard Mapping Scenarios for CDWR’s seven counties include:
Santa Barbara County
Tropical storm events: The NSSS is not in effect for Santa Barbara County during the rainy season, so most of the rain or storm surge will be caused by the strongest windstorms in California. This year, Santa Barbara County received its first significant storm surge (greater than 7 feet above sea level) on January 8, 2016: There have since been no more significant storm surge events.
NSSS Scenario: Santa Barbara: A tropical storm hits the coast on January 1. It develops into a severe tropical storm on January 3 and a hurricane on January 4. The hurricane then weakens and dissipates on January
