N※N

NC Governor Warns of Increasing Flood Risk Due to Climate Change

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. increasing-flood-risk-due-to-climate-change.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, February 26th 2026 at 18:34 GMT by New Jersey Monitor
      Locales: North Carolina, UNITED STATES

Raleigh, NC - February 26, 2026 - North Carolina Governor Evelyn Sherrill delivered a sobering assessment of the state's increasing vulnerability to flooding today, painting a picture of a future defined by more frequent and intense rainfall events. Speaking from the hard-hit Albemarle region, Governor Sherrill directly linked the rising flood risk to the undeniable effects of climate change and the need for a fundamental shift in how the state prepares for and responds to these disasters.

"We are no longer talking about 'if' a major flood will occur, but 'when,' and increasingly, 'how often,'" Governor Sherrill stated during a press conference overlooking the swollen Roanoke River. "The data is clear: North Carolina is experiencing more extreme precipitation, and the trends suggest this will only accelerate. We must acknowledge this new reality and act decisively to protect our communities, our infrastructure, and our economy."

Recent flooding in the Albemarle region, triggered by a combination of unusually heavy rainfall and storm surge, served as a stark reminder of the state's vulnerability. Hundreds of homes were damaged, critical infrastructure was disrupted, and several communities were temporarily isolated. The governor noted that this event, while significant, is likely a harbinger of more frequent and severe flooding to come.

Beyond the immediate impact of damaged property and economic losses, Governor Sherrill emphasized the long-term consequences of increased flood risk, including threats to public health, environmental degradation, and displacement of communities. "Flooding contaminates our water supplies, spreads disease, and destroys vital ecosystems. It also disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations - the elderly, the poor, and historically marginalized communities - who often lack the resources to recover effectively."

Governor Sherrill outlined a multi-pronged strategy to address the escalating flood risk, centered around three key pillars: infrastructure investment, coastal resilience planning, and community preparedness.

Infrastructure Investment: The governor announced a new initiative, the "Resilient North Carolina" fund, dedicated to upgrading and strengthening the state's aging infrastructure. This includes improving drainage systems, reinforcing bridges and roads, and expanding the capacity of flood control structures. A significant portion of the fund will be allocated to nature-based solutions, such as restoring wetlands and promoting green infrastructure, which can naturally absorb and mitigate floodwaters. "Grey infrastructure alone is not enough," Sherrill explained. "We need to work with nature, not against it."

Coastal Resilience Planning: Recognizing the particular vulnerability of North Carolina's coastline, Governor Sherrill announced a comprehensive update to the state's Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). The updated CAMA will incorporate the latest climate science, stricter building codes for coastal developments, and a renewed emphasis on managed retreat in areas deemed particularly at risk. This aspect of the plan is expected to be contentious, as it involves difficult conversations about property rights and the long-term viability of certain coastal communities. The Governor acknowledged these concerns but stressed the necessity of proactive planning to avoid even greater losses in the future. She pointed to successful managed retreat programs in the Netherlands and other coastal nations as potential models for North Carolina.

Community Preparedness: Governor Sherrill also highlighted the importance of empowering communities to prepare for and respond to flood events. This includes expanding flood warning systems, conducting regular evacuation drills, and providing resources for homeowners and businesses to implement flood mitigation measures. The state is partnering with local organizations and volunteer groups to offer training programs on flood preparedness and response. A new mobile app, "NC Flood Ready," will provide real-time flood alerts, evacuation routes, and emergency contact information.

The Governor also reiterated the critical need for federal aid and collaboration across all levels of government. She specifically called on Congress to fully fund the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and to provide additional resources for state and local flood mitigation efforts. "North Carolina cannot address this challenge alone," Sherrill stated. "We need a strong partnership with the federal government and a coordinated effort across all levels of government to protect our state from the devastating impacts of flooding."

The Governor concluded with a sense of urgency. "The time for complacency is over. We must act now, with boldness and determination, to build a more resilient North Carolina for future generations."