AN ASSESSMENT OF WATER-RELATED VULNERABILITY FOR DEVELOPED PROPERTIES IN COASTAL FORT LAUDERDALE

Flooding disasters pose a significant threat worldwide, with 2022 seeing them as the most common type of disaster. In the U.S. alone, four flooding disasters in 2023 cost more than $9.2 billion. Coastal urban areas face increasing threats from flooding disasters due to rising sea levels, changing precipitation patterns, and intensifying extreme weather events. This study focuses on Central Beach, Fort Lauderdale; the area's unique geographical, environmental, historical, and socio-economic characteristics make it a prime candidate for this analysis. The research objective is to comprehensively examine the factors contributing to water-related vulnerabilities of developed properties in Central Beach and assess localized impacts using regional models. The methodology involves developing probabilistic flood maps using GIS tools and the Cascade 2001 routing model. The flood scenarios consider groundwater table rise, extreme rainfall, high tides, storm surge, and sea level rise. Results indicate significant inundation risks, particularly for commercial and mobility infrastructure, under storm surge and sea level rise scenarios. The analysis highlights the importance of targeted mitigation efforts to protect these areas and reinforce resilience against future flooding events. The findings contribute valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate flood risks in coastal urban areas.