A University of South Florida professor predicts that a hurricane with similar intensity as Katrina would cause even greater devastation to Tampa Bay than was experienced by New Orleans in 2005.
With New Orleans set to take years to recover from Hurricane Katrina, experts are already trying to determine where the next devastating storm will strike.
After simulating landfall of a Category 3 storm, Dr. Robert Weisberg, professor and physical oceanographer at the University of South Florida’s College of Marine Science, concludes that the Tampa Bay metro area faces a serious risk.
"New Orleans had long topped emergency planners' list of nightmare targets for a major hurricane because of its setting: at and below sea level near the storm-prone mouth of the Mississippi River. But Tampa isn't far behind when such factors are considered."
In the event of a storm, Weisberg predicts that "flooding would extend to middle of Pinellas County, a peninsula that is home to nearly 1 million people, inundating land between St. Petersburg and Clearwater."
The Port of Tampa, "Florida's largest and the entry point for much of the state's gasoline - would close. Tourism, which is worth more than $9 billion annually in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties alone, would come to a halt. And 40,000 students at Tampa-based USF would be shut out of classes."
FULL STORY: Study issues storm warning for Tampa
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Greening Oakland’s School Grounds
With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.
California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas
Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.
Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship
In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland