Stormwater flooding is heightened flooding due to hurricanes and coastal storms.  The problems that are presented with stormwater flooding include eroded shorelines, damaged coastal vegetation, create or close inlets and can affect already endangered wildlife species.  Stormwater flooding can cause water pllution and can also affect the natural stream flow.  Since hurricanes are often the cause of severe flooding, the storms also affect the surronding areas and the people living there.

    To help protect your neighborhood from stormwater flooding keep the basins and storm gutters around your neighborhoods clean from leaves and trash.  Do not dump petroleum based products down the drains, as they contaminate streams and lakes.

    One solution for stormwater flooding is to control the quantity and try to move it away as fast as possible.  In South Carolina, the Davis and Floyd company made a tunnel that was 8 feet in diamter, 5500 feet in length, and 140 feet deep.  The flooding at street level is carried through the tunnel, where pumps are placed to drain the water into the Cooper River.  Flooding in this area was successfully eliminated due to the tunnel.

    It is better to do something to prevent flooding problems than to correct them later. This is cheaper and more cost-effective.

• What role does coastal land use play in enhancing the effects of stormwater flooding?
• Considering the frequency of smaller storms, especially in low-lying areas, would it be better to implement low-cost solutions to managing stormwater more effectively?
• What are some land use practices that can reduce the effects of flooding?
• Does stormwater flooding behave differently in riverine and estuarine systems?